THE RSPCA has fired a warning to rogue anglers after a rescue team had to rescue a duck with a hook in its neck.

The distressed mallard was found with a damaged wing by mother Xenia Bennett at a pond in Rownhams.

Mrs Bennett was out with seven-year-old daughter Abigail to feed the birds when she noticed the duck caught in a fishing line.

The pond, off Horns Drive, has several "No Fishing" signs dotted around its bank.

"It was awful as blood was just gushing from her neck," she said.

"The duck had got tangled in wire and was trying to get free.

"I tried to help but couldn't get close enough. We thought the best thing to do was to phone the RSPCA."

Mrs Bennett, who recently moved to the area from Milbrook, Southampton, said two units rescuers were called in after initial attempts to save the animal failed.

"The rescuers tried to wade into the water, but started to sink in the mud," she added.

"Luckily they were dressed in wetsuits and were able to swim out and get her to the shore."

The duck was then taken to a local vet.

After the incident on Friday, an RSPCA spokesman said: "The duck is in our care at the moment. She isn't eating yet, but this may just be because her mouth is so sore. She is alert though, so hopefully will be ok.

"This pond says 'no fishing' because it is a haven for wildlife and we urge people to abide by this and remember the damage carelessly discarded fishing tackle can cause wildlife.

"Every year the RSPCA takes hundreds of calls about wildlife injured or even killed by angling litter which has not been properly disposed of.

"Floats get caught in throats, hooks pierce skin and beaks and fishing line frequently gets wrapped around limbs. Swans and ducks seem particularly affected by this issue, but we have also seen other animals such as gulls, geese and even the odd owl with serious and often fatal injuries.

"Of course, most people who fish are responsible with their litter and take care to dispose of it properly. But it only takes one thoughtless person to carelessly toss aside a bit of line or float with horrific consequences."