Threat to swans remains

Swans face a growing threat from discarded fishing tackle, 10 years after the introduction of a law to protect them, a conservation group has warned. Some 720 swans had to be treated for injury and poisoning through tackle left by careless anglers in just nine months of last year, according to a report by the National Convention for the Welfare of Swans and Wildlife.

The casualty figures were the worst since the sale of lead shot was banned in 1987, said the convention, whose volunteers work from 30 swan-rescue centres throughout Britain.