Just as we’ve pleaded for change with football netting, we must do the same with discarded fishing line.
This beautiful tawny owl simply wanted to perch in a tree. But instead of a safe resting spot, he found himself ensnared—fishing line wrapped tightly around his left wing, leaving him helpless.
Thankfully, help was on the way. Our friends at the RSPCA took the call, and with assistance from the Environment Agency and their boat, ARO Sam was able to reach the owl and carefully bring him to safety.
Back at our hospital, the owl’s feisty spirit shone through—understandably grumpy, but very much alive. Our vet team carried out a full assessment, checking for damage to his wing and watching closely for signs of ligature wounds. For now, he has been lucky. The line hasn’t yet cut deep into his skin, but we’ll be keeping a very close eye as he continues his recovery.
This story could so easily have ended in tragedy. Discarded fishing line is a silent killer. To wildlife, it’s invisible until it’s too late, causing entanglements, injuries, and far too often, fatalities.
The solution, however, is simple: take fishing line home, dispose of it responsibly, or use the dedicated recycling points available. What takes just a few seconds for us can mean the difference between life and death for our wild neighbours.
For this tawny owl, rescue has given him another chance. With time and care, we hope to see him back under the night sky where he belongs—free to fly, hunt, and thrive.
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