The plea from the Scottish SPCA comes after a merganser duck became badly tangled in fishing line in Lochmaben, with a treble hook caught in its beak.
SSPCA inspector Janet Proudlock was alerted to the situation and managed to rescue the water bird.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the SSPCA referred to a picture and said: “Janet successfully rescued this merganser duck in Lochmaben.
“The duck was caught in fishing line which had a barbed hook.
“You can see the fish which is probably what attracted the duck and caused him to become entangled.
“We would urge all those fishing to take all discarded fishing tackle and line with them, where possible, and to use barbless hooks which are more wildlife friendly as water birds and other creatures can shed these more easily.”
Anyone who sees an animal in distress or in need of help is urged not to attend to the matter themselves but instead to call the SSPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 9999.
