Trapped tawny owl rescued in Strathclyde Park

The tawny owl is recovering after becoming trapped in a discarded fishing line. Picture: Scottish SPCA

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was called to Strathclyde Park after a report of a bird ‘suspended from a tree’ above a pond.

With help from local fire crews, Animal Rescue Officer Steph McCrossan and Inspector Gillian Dick were able to successfully free the trapped owl, which is now recovering at the charity’s National Wildflife Rescue Centre after his ordeal.

Ms McCrossan said: “The fire brigade assisted us with an inflatable walkway so we could literally walk across the water to where the owl was.

“There’s no way he would have been able to free himself and he would have died of starvation had we not been able to help him.

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“It’s vital that people dispose of their fishing litter responsibly as all too often animals are injured or even killed as a result of discarded lines and hooks.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to the fire and rescue service who were absolutely brilliant throughout this rescue operation.”

Colin Seddon, manager of the rescue centre, added: “The owl is lucky to be alive after this ordeal.

“Thankfully, he has now fully recovered and will soon be released back into the wild.”

The Scottish SPCA have again encouraged members of the public who discover an injured or distressed wild animal to call their Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

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