A VETERINARY surgeon has issued a public warning to prevent further damage to the eco-system.

Ian Gibson, a vet at Alexander Veterinary Centre, on Harrington Street, has asked fishers around the Furness area to not leave fishing lines or rubbish while fishing nearby lakes and ponds.

The warning comes after a moorhen was brought to the centre on Wednesday night with fatal injuries.

Mr Gibson, who was on call, said: “The moorhen had a fishing line wrapped around its feet and was missing most toes.

“Unfortunately, we had to euthanise the bird as the injuries sustained meant the bird wouldn't be able to survive.

“I urge fishers to not drop rubbish or fishing equipment by lakes as this is one example how negligence can lead to avoidable deaths.”

The bird itself was found by four youths and Barrow man Leigh Ebdell, who brought it to the centre after helping it from a bush with a line around its legs and feet, which had cut off circulation causing the bird's lower area to deteriorate.

Mr Ebdell said: "We found the moorhen next to a pond behind the Travelodge on A590.

"I want to thank the young boys for their caring nature as youths get a bad reputation around the town."

This news comes after Bardsea Bird Sanctuary, located south of Ulverston, stated it is overrun with injured birds.

The sanctuary have advised the public to take injured birds to the nearest vet, who will see them free of charge.

A spokesperson from Bardsea sanctuary, said: "Our staff can no longer cope with the influx of incoming injured birds."