THE RSPCA is urging anglers to safely dispose of fishing litter after a gull became trapped in a heavy weight and hook.

The animal welfare charity was called to help after a member of the public spotted the distressed bird in Western Road in Poole on Saturday.

Its wing and foot was caught in the fishing weight and hook.

RSPCA Inspector Tina Ward, who managed to cut the gull free to enable him to fly away, said: “I have no idea how this gull managed to fly with the weight and line attached.

“We were called to help after the bird landed on the balcony of a flat, disturbing the plant pots - and the family trying to watch the World Cup!

“Fortunately the hook didn't do any damage. His leg was a bit sore but didn't hinder him running away from me, or a cat smaller than him that thought about attacking him, before he flew away.”

She added: “The RSPCA would strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious when packing up to make sure no litter is left behind. Most anglers are very responsible when disposing of their litter, but it only takes one careless person to endanger the life of an animal.

“All sorts of litter can cause problems; line can wrap around necks, causing deep wounds in flesh and cutting off the blood supply, hooks can pierce beaks, become embedded in skin or get caught in a bird's throat, and weights can be swallowed, causing internal injuries and blockages.

“Unfortunately, gulls, ducks, swans and geese are commonly admitted to our wildlife centres as a result of being entangled in, swallowing, or being injured by fishing litter.”

The RSPCA is encouraging any members of the public who see discarded fishing litter to pick it up and put it in the bin.

The plea for those who enjoy fishing to take extra care disposing of their rubbish comes as figures from the RSPCA reveal that in one year there were 3,803 reports of wild animals caught in fishing litter, with swans (1,298), geese (1,294), ducks (388) and gulls (395) being the most frequent victims.

Mammals such as seals (42) and even family pets like dogs (10) and cats (9) were also affected.

As reported in the Daily Echo in April, a collie cross required more than £1,400 of veterinary treatment after swallowing a metal fish hook on Poole Quay.

Kirsty Gurney’s dog, Karen, needed emergency surgery after being drawn to a fishing rod which had been left unattended with bait still on the line.

In just one month (June 2017), the RSPCA handled 574 reports of animals caught in fishing litter.

Deaths to mammals and birds from raging infections inflicted by discarded fishing hooks, or from deep wounds where plastic has cut into their body are frequently seen by the RSPCA. Strangulation by old fishing line is a common cause of death.