Too many animals are suffering from injuries around the lake with the majority of them fishing related, says wildlife rescuer Cherie Reid.
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“We often get calls around the lake for swans or ducks, mainly with fishing lines attached or they get tangled in the line,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s a matter of just being able to release them... other times it could be euthanasia, especially if it’s cut right through to the bone.”
The most recent incident was a small cygnet with a lure stuck in its mouth and a fishing line trailing from it.
After trialing six different tools at the vet, it took heavy duty wire cutters to cut through the hook.
“I would assume that size hook probably isn’t really necessary on Lake Wendouree and it was through brute force that we could get through it,” Ms Reid said.
“Luckily it was only stuck through the side of its mouth, so we had to break the barb off the hook and then thread it back through its mouth.”
Ms Cherie has urged those fishing around the lake to collect and take away their rubbish so that native birds don’t suffer.
“Particularly around this time of year, the majority of the calls would be for younger birds because they’ll just pick at anything,” she said.
“What we also ask is if anybody does see a bird, or any type of animal, that has got an injury or even if you’re not sure, just give us a call for advice or tell us where it is.”
The Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service has recently opened a branch in Ballarat.
To contact the 24-hour hotline call 0427 301 401.