SSPCA appeal after gannet swallows baited hook

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a gannet, which had swallowed a homemade baited hook, was found in Rendall.

The distressed bird on Puldrite Beach, in Rendall, on Tuesday, with a nylon line and plastic bottle in its beak. The line was attached to a hook which had been swallowed by the bird, which had to be put to sleep.

Senior SSPCA inspector Mike Lynch said: “This poor bird had been caused a great deal of pain and distress by this baited hook, which was made to cause deliberate harm.

“The plastic bottle floats on the water with a fish on the hook to attract sea life. However, when the bait is swallowed, so is the hook, leaving the string and bottle attached and the animal immobile and unable to eat.”

Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 or Kirkwall Police on 872241.