Heron left with potentially life-changing injuries after getting fishing hook stuck in its tongue at Rushden Lakes

Two birds have been left with potentially life-changing injuries after getting caught up in fishing tackle.

Roy Marriott and Lizzie Collins from Animals In Need in Little Irchester were called out to a heron in distress at Rushden Lakes at the weekend.

Thankfully a woman had already caught him and the heron was taken to see a vet at Northampton V4P, who was able to remove the three-in-one contraption of barbed hooks embedded in his tongue.

Annie Marriott from the charity said pain relief and antibiotics were given before the bird was released for rehabilitation, and added: "This is just one of many fishing tackle injuries we rescue each year."

And just a few days later, the volunteers were called into action again with another bird injured by fishing tackle.

A swan suffered a ligature wound to its leg caused by a discarded fishing line at Stanwick Lakes, which Annie has described as an 'awful injury.'

Speaking to the Northants Telegraph after the rescues, Lizzie Collins, the charity's wildlife manager, said: "They both may have life-changing injuries.

"The pain they must have been in and the thought that if we weren't able to attend these rescues, the fate of these animals is heartbreaking."

Lizzie said the hooks are so tough to remove and added: "Pick up or you're litter or don't fish at all."

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you