Wildlife Welfare

Wild Swan Lead Poisoning from Fishing Weights

Lead poisoning from discarded fishing weights continues to cause mortality and welfare harm in mute swans and other waterbirds.

Key Facts

Mute swans ingest lead weights while feeding on aquatic vegetation on river beds
Lead poisoning causes progressive neurological damage, weakness, and inability to feed
Affected swans may take days or weeks to die from lead poisoning
Lead fishing weights were banned in the UK for weights under 28g in 1987 but larger weights remain legal
Non-toxic alternatives including tungsten and bismuth are widely available for all fishing applications

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning in swans causes a prolonged and distressing death through neurological deterioration and starvation. The availability of effective non-toxic alternatives to lead fishing weights means that this welfare harm is entirely preventable. The continued use of lead fishing weights that end up in waterways represents an ongoing, avoidable welfare emergency for swans and other waterbirds.

What You Can Do

Use only non-toxic fishing weights when fishing on UK waterways
Advocate for a complete ban on lead fishing weights of all sizes
Support swan welfare organisations that rescue and rehabilitate lead-poisoned birds