GEORGE NEWS - The SPCA often sees and treats animals that are injured or have died due to the careless handling and disposing of fishing materials.
Discarded lines on the beach and in the water become entangled around limbs. Hooks become embedded inside animals. It is not just birds that suffer - dolphins, turtles and fish get ensnared in tangled fishing lines in the water and even dogs have been injured when eating baited hooks left on the beach.
Discarded hooks, that are often rusty and unclean, pose a health risk when they get lodged in the feet of children, adults and animals walking on the seashore.
Please help prevent this unnecessary suffering and loss of life by being aware of wildlife around you and cleaning up after fishing off the beach or rocks.
Please take the following precautions:
• Scan the surrounding sky, land, and water before casting to prevent seabirds from crossing your line or stealing your bait;
• Use barbless fishing hooks, artificial lures and weighted fishing lines to avoid hooking seabirds;
• Safely dispose of fishing hooks and lines and keep the water and surrounding areas free of debris;
• Do not leave fishing poles unattended with bait dangling from the hook. Birds and dogs are at risk;
• Make sure you take all fishing tackle with you.
What to do if you accidentally snag a seabird:
Never chase the bird. If it is entangled, do not cut it free. It will fly away trailing line behind it. Unable to free itself; it will starve within a few days and may entangle other birds or animals as well.
Lines as short as 20cm can kill. Reel the bird in slowly and gently. Don't lift it with the line; use a net or your hands, protected by a cloth.
Cover the bird's head and eyes gently with a cloth or towel to calm it, but make sure it can breathe. Keep the wings folded in their normal closed position.
Always maintain control of the bird's head and body. Find a large box and keep the bird calm and quiet while you call for help.
Call the SPCA on 044 878 1990 (emergency after-hours: 082 378 7384) or Sanccob on 021 557 615 for assistance and advice.
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