Wildlife

Swan Lead Poisoning and Conservation Welfare

Lead poisoning from fishing weights and shotgun pellets remains a significant welfare and conservation problem for mute swans.

Key Facts

Lead fishing sinkers and shotgun pellets ingested by swans cause fatal lead poisoning
Clinical signs include wing droop, green faeces, neck paralysis and eventual death
RSPCA and Swan Sanctuary treat hundreds of lead-poisoned swans annually in the UK
Lead fishing weights smaller than 28.3g have been banned in the UK since 1987 but alternatives are not universal
Waterfowl shot with lead pellets is still consumed by humans and scavenged by wildlife

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning causes prolonged suffering over days to weeks before death. Affected swans are highly visible to the public and their suffering causes significant distress to observers. The welfare problem is entirely preventable through universal adoption of non-toxic alternatives in fishing and shooting.

What You Can Do

Use non-lead fishing weights and shots only
Pick up discarded fishing line and weights from riverbanks and lakesides
Report lead-poisoned or injured swans to the Swan Sanctuary or RSPCA
Advocate for mandatory use of non-toxic alternatives in all fishing and shooting contexts