'Shocking' use of illegal equipment by suspected poachers to snare swans in Leeds canal
Suspected poachers are using illegal fishing equipment along the Leeds and Liverpool canal to snare swans, Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Rescue Hospital said.
Pictures posted on social media show metal nuts and washers which appear to have been used as weights, and electrical wire coating as a float.
Thankfully, the snared swan was released after rescue by Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Rescue Hospital.
However, the injuries could have been 'so much worse', the hospital said.
The incident has been reported to wildlife officers at West Yorkshire Police by the hospital.