Swans hurt in Laois due to discarded fishing line

Swans and other birds are being caught on fishing line discarded by ‘careless’ anglers in Laois, gardaí have said.  

According to Laois Offaly Gardaí,  there have been a number of incidents on lakes and rivers in both counties where swans have had to be rescued after becoming tangled in old fishing line. 

“From the outset it is extremely important to us that the huge majority of anglers who frequent our lakes and rivers are really good men and women who care about the flora and fauna where they fish,  we do not want to create any negativity towards them, however what both the anglers and ourselves see is a few careless individuals who visit the few locations around the two counties where we have breeding pairs of swans with cygnets on lakes and rivers,” gardaí said in an online post.  

“Unfortunately we have seen a few incidents where they have been caught up in discarded fishing line. Some situations have required removal to care of birds, particularly swans and cygnets,” gardaí explained. 

They pointed out that swans are protected under Irish and European law.  

“All swans, including the common Mute Swan, are protected under the Wildlife Acts. This means it is illegal to hunt, kill, capture, or disturb swans or their nests and eggs without a specific licence,” gardaí stated

Anyone causing harm to swans could face prosecution leading to a fine or even imprisonment. 

Gardaí  said in certain circumstances, a licence can be granted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for activities that might otherwise be illegal under the Wildlife Acts, such as scientific research or conservation management that involves handling swans.

“There are no specific laws against feeding swans, but it's advised to do so responsibly, as inappropriate feeding can harm the birds,” gardaí added.