Volunteers were horrified after finding a large number of fishing hooks dumped at a lake.

Danielle Lewis and Shirley Farrier made the discovery in Campanile Lake on Crossways Business Estate in Dartford while out on a lunchtime patrol yesterday.

Danielle said: “At first we noticed lots of cans and rubbish and then when we looked closer there were loads of fishing hooks. There seemed to be some tent poles as well.

“There were around 100 hooks that looked unused. They may have just dropped a pack and left them.”

The pair, who volunteer for Dartford Animal Rescue, say the impact they can have on wildlife is “horrendous”.

Danielle explained: “Over the years we’ve seen quite a few of them having to be removed from birds.

“Earlier this year one had to be removed from a swan at another lake.

“They can also get stuck in birds’ beaks which means they can’t eat anymore, and they can get swallowed if they’re left with bait in.

“They can even impact dogs and foxes if they get caught in their paws.

“They’re really hard to get out, they’re barbed so they twist into the skin and wind themselves round. It really hurts them too.”

She says it is unlikely they will come out naturally without help from rescue volunteers.

Less than two weeks ago, eight geese were killed nearby after being hit by a car in what was described as an “intentional” incident.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and driving without a licence or insurance. He has since been released on bail until Friday, October 25.

Dartford Animal Rescue was also called this week after one of the geese that survived the incident got a fishing line embedded in its wing.

It took more than six-and-a-half minutes to finally get it out, and the Canadian goose was able to return home after treatment.

Danielle says they suspect the fishing hooks found yesterday were left by illegal anglers.

She explained: “I’ve worked around here for years and the regular fishermen are always very respectful and polite, they clear up after themselves.

“I think it’s probably illegal anglers or maybe teenagers. It’s not the regulars.

“The harm these fishing hooks do to our wildlife is horrendous and without our rescue centres, who are working flat out, many animals would perish.

“If you are fishing or picnicking, please clean up after yourselves.”