Tawny owl dies after getting stuck in discarded rubbish in tree over Rochdale Canal

An owl has died after it became trapped in a discarded fishing line in a tree overlooking the Rochdale Canal.

The tawny owl was spotted hanging by his wing from the branch of a tree overhanging the canal at Clegg Hall Road, in Littleborough last Tuesday (August 29). The RSPCA was contacted and two animal rescue officers were sent to the scene.

The officers, David Cottingham and Inspector Deborah Beats, entered the water wearing a dry suit to try and rescue the owl, which was successfully captured using a special extending pole.

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An RSPCA spokesman said: "The bird was taken to a local vets to be assessed, where a fishing hook was also removed from one of his wings. Sadly his condition deteriorated and he later died, most likely from shock and trauma. "

The charity says it received 1,245 calls about fishing litter across England and Wales last year, with Greater Manchester one of the worst affected counties with 71 incidents.

ARO Cottingham said: “We work hard to rescue as many of these stricken animals as we can. Thankfully, many can be saved, but a lot of care, treatment and rehabilitation may be needed as a result. Others, like this owl, aren’t so lucky, and sometimes their injuries, or the sheer stress and exhaustion from their ordeal proves too much.

“Incidents like this are especially disheartening when there is such a simple solution: clear up your litter - whether it’s fishing-related or general - and take it home with you. Many experienced anglers are very responsible when it comes to wildlife and taking care of their equipment, but we would urge those who may be new to the activity to be extra cautious about making sure they clear