The cygnet and its parent became snared in the line at Alexandra Park on Tuesday, June 23, prompting calls to the Scottish SPCA.
An Animal Rescue Officer was dispatched to the scene but, tragically, the youngster could not be saved. The adult swan was freed by a member of the public, who returned it to the water before the charity arrived.
Locals have expressed anger over the incident, with one witness writing on a community page: “A baby cygnet died in the small pond today because it got caught up in fishing wire that was hooked onto the foot of its dad and drowned.
“The swan family were extremely distressed by the incident, as were the people there trying to help. A wonderful swan rescuer, Kirsty, and her husband came, and we got the swan out of the water, cut away the line, and removed the hook. The dead baby is floating in the water.
“This is why there are now only two cygnets on the first pond. DO NOT FISH HERE! It’s illegal, irresponsible and damaging to our wildlife. If you see someone fishing, please report them by calling 101 or filling out a form online through Police Scotland.”
The Scottish SPCA confirmed they were called to the park after reports that fishing line had wrapped around both an adult swan and cygnet.
A spokesperson said: “The Scottish SPCA were called to an incident at Alexandra Park in Glasgow after a member of the public reported that fishing line had become wrapped around both an adult swan and cygnet.
“When our Animal Rescue Officer attended, the cygnet had sadly already died. We were not involved in the rescue of the adult swan but we believe that a member of the public has since managed to detach the line and release him back on to the water.”
