ANOTHER swan has been rescued after getting its beak caught on a barbed hook.

Swan warden Derek Davey, who oversees Radipole Lake, has spoken out after saving a second swan in a matter of weeks.

Mr Davey said he fears this is something that would happen more and more.

Discussing the latest incident, he said: “I got a call on Sunday from the RSPB of a swan in distress.

“It had a hook and a line through its mouth.

“We managed to catch it. Upon examination it had a barbed hook stuck in the roof of its mouth quite deep.

“The float which was two inches from the hook prevented the swan from feeding.”

With assistance from Weymouth Wildlife Rescue, Mr Davey said the hook was removed before the swan was set free again.

He said: “I’ve noticed an increase in the use of the barbed hooks on Radipole Lake. Barbed hooks are banned.

“I had a swan last week with a barbed hook in the neck.

“The only way to get it out is to put it through the flesh, cut the barb and pull it out.”

Mr Davey suggested the swan may confuse the plastic floats attached to hooks with food.

Nevertheless, he said swans were more at risk of hooks going across their bodies when swimming across the fishing line.

He said: “Normally, it is good practice to reel the line in if there is a risk of the bird crossing the line or getting tangled.

“Some anglers behave responsibly and do this.”

Mr Davey said all anglers who fish in the area require a licence and must use hooks without barbs.

The fishing season is due to end on March 14 but Mr Davey said he planned to tackle the matter before then.

He said: “This is a problem. Some people are flouting the rules. It needs to be addressed.

“I do plan to meet up with the bailiffs before next season and try and sort it out.”

Mr Davey said he would like anglers to clear up any snapped lines or fishing tackle on the lake in a bid to reduce the number of incidents that lead to birds suffering serious injuries.

If a bird does become accidentally caught, the matter should be reported immediately to the nearby RSPB centre so it can be treated as soon as possible.