Suspected poisoning at Swansea lake probed as swan dies
AN investigation is being carried out to see whether a family of swans have been poisoned in a Swansea lake.
The move follows the grim discovery of dead and ailing swans in the area around Fendrod Lake in Llansamlet.
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Fendrod Lake
The water birds were discovered on June 18, by a member of the public.
One swan was already dead while another was in such a poor condition it was unable to stand.
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A nest of cygnets was also nearby.
The ailing swan and cygnets are now in the care of the RSPCA.
The RSPCA is appealing for anyone with any information on the incident to come forward.
Wild
RSPCA inspector Nigel Duguid said: “This is a rather sad and suspicious situation and we are appealing to the public to help us.
“These events may have no obvious explanation but we are concerned that someone may have put something in the water which has caused these wild birds to become so ill.”
The lake occupies an area of some 13 acres in the heart of the enterprise park and is popular with anglers.
There is also outdoor gym equipment situated on the edge of the lake and a walking route around the entire lake. A spokeswoman for Swansea Council said it was looking into the matter as well.
She said: “Swansea Council’s parks and pollution control are looking into the report to check whether there are any issues at the lake.
“The site is managed by Swansea Council in partnership with Brynmill and District Angling Club.”
The spokeswoman added that the club’s members had not seen any dead or sick swans.
Concerned
Newly elected Llansamlet councillor, Uta Clay, added her voice to calls for the public to help discover what had happened to the birds.
She said: “I’m very concerned and hope the public will do all they can to assist the RSPCA in their attempt to identify what has been going on.
“This is a beautiful facility for people in the Llansamlet area and the whole of Swansea and it would be tragic if the swan population was targeted.”
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999. Calls will be treated in confidence.
Comments
by PJL1967
Monday, June 25 2012, 1:26AM
“If the lake was polluted by poisonous chemicals entering the water there would surely be dead fish too...?
..and the article says only one bevy of swans are affected, which to me suggests it may have been something they alone eat...”
by PJL1967
Sunday, June 24 2012, 7:14PM
“For those who marked my last comment down I suggest you google the subject.
Even though many people may think they are being kind to feed swans and duck bread they should not do it. White bread is especially bad for them. "A lack of nutrients in white bread is leaving the birds crippled with a condition similar to rickets in humans. Their limbs become so weak that the birds are unable to dive for food" (http://tinyurl.com/8y7trca) and "mouldy bread of any kind is poisonous to swans and ducks" (http://tinyurl.com/847uptn)
See also: 'Swans are being killed with kindness' - "Moulded bread is causing deaths" (http://tinyurl.com/782uupo)”
by PJL1967
Sunday, June 24 2012, 1:31PM
“Maybe someone innocently fed them mouldy bread, not realising it is poisonous to swans.”
by chelsea1955
Saturday, June 23 2012, 8:51PM
“bet it is all the dog mess around there”
by fred65
Saturday, June 23 2012, 3:41PM
“by williamwaun
Your spot on there is a foot bridge that crosses the stream that supply's that lake I have on two occasions reported petrol or diesel entering the lake via a pipe quiet visible from that bridge! And what was done to track the culprits "Nothing"At the very least samples could have been taken from drains at all business above that outlet to find who contaminated it! Guess that's a bit of work for someone that does not like work and the aggravation of confronting the polluters..”
by alishababy
Saturday, June 23 2012, 1:28PM
“aww well i hope they sort this as myself and little ones go over there for a little walk and feed the ducks and swans and many more familys to as its lovely in the summer days and many of times we have spoken to fishing anglers and they have had a quiet nite or day but hope this issue can be dealt with vey quick for the animals health and hope no one has put anything in the water”
by StephenG11
Saturday, June 23 2012, 1:16PM
“williamwaun - good point. i would worry more about the foundries that used to be there, with arsenic among their by-products.”
by williamwaun
Saturday, June 23 2012, 1:01PM
“It's in the middle of an industrial park, anything can get into the water from the factories around there.”
by antyall
Saturday, June 23 2012, 12:48PM
“This is sad, swans breed for life and seldom part. I hope that this can be resolved quickly.”
by arnoldlane
Saturday, June 23 2012, 10:58AM
“Why do they contact councillors for comments.”