Young gull rescued after becoming tangled in discarded crab fishing line
The RSPCA is warning of the dangers of fishing tackle
A young gull has been rescued after becoming tangled in discarded crab fishing line, prompting the RSPCA to warn of the dangers fishing tackle can pose to wildlife.
The gull was spotted by a member of the public who was putting out water for birds on the roof of The Camber Building on August 14.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Aidan Mcguirk attended and found the gull in serious difficulty, with the fishing line tangled around his tongue, beak, wings, tail feathers and legs. A stone weight was also hanging from one of his wings.
Aidan carefully cut away the wire and also released a hook which had become lodged at the back of the gull’s throat.
He said: “This young gull had become incredibly tangled in the fishing line, with both the weight and the hook also posing further danger to the poor bird.
“Thankfully we were able to free him and, apart from a minor injury inside his mouth, he appeared to have escaped without serious injuries. After he was freed, we saw him take a drink, have a bath, and then start preening his feathers, so we were incredibly grateful to see him be able to return to his usual routine. But it could have been a very different story if the kind member of the public hadn’t spotted him in time.
“Fishing litter can be extremely hazardous to wildlife. We know the majority of anglers are very responsible, but it only takes one piece of discarded kit to cause birds like this gull a great deal of suffering, particularly at a time when wildlife are already struggling to find food and shelter in the hot and dry weather.”
The charity is urging people to take care around wildlife and to ensure fishing line and tackle is disposed of responsibly to help prevent animals becoming injured or trapped.
The incident comes as the RSPCA highlights the additional pressures faced by wildlife during the summer months as part of its Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues campaign. The charity received 359 reports involving cruelty to wild birds during July and August 2025 - almost double the 179 reports received during the same period in 2024.