Hooks put lives at risk (From Barry And District News)

Hooks put lives at risk

A BARRY woman has hit out at local fishermen who put children and animals' at risk by leaving fishing weights along beaches.

Christine Jones, of Cold Knap Way, said: "About a fortnight ago I came across three fishing weights and hooks on the old harbour beach, which the dog was going up to and sniffing."

Christine, who regularly walks her dog Tom along Cold Knap beach and around the old harbour, said that it was becoming a common problem

"I think it is ridiculous; the first two I thought maybe were a one off, but then I found a third and I'm coming across them all the time now."

But according to local fishermen, it is bad practice to leave any fishing materials behind.

Fisherman Andrew Miller, who has been fishing for more than 32 years, said: "It is policy to take everything with you when you are finished.

"I speak from experience because when I was young I stepped on a fishing hook. It's not environmentally friendly either."

Christine added: "Some fisherman are very good, they go looking for the weights and take them home with them. It's the few who spoil it for the rest."

But Christine, who helps out at Barry Swan Rescue, added that sealife was also being affected by the litter.

"I know friends who walk their dogs are always coming across the wires.

"We have found a few swans, which we have taken to Barry Swan Rescue, that have swallowed the hook part of the weights.

"It's not only the hooks that are a problem, the swans also get caught in the wire as well.

"It's also dangerous for children, too, because if the weights are stuck in the sand they could easily walk on them.

"They should pick them up and discard them, but not leave them on the beaches.

It's disgusting and dangerous."