Sussex Swans Shot, Kicked and Attacked by Dogs

February 2008. Swans in East Sussex have had a bad weekend with Wildlife Rescuers needing to rescue one swan which had been shot in the head, a swan that had been attacked by a dog, a swan which kids were attempting to kick and finally a swan that had been hit by a car.

The four incidents have infuriated the volunteer rescuers which have had to pick up the pieces.

Kicked
Trevor Weeks, founder of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) was called down to Langney Pond in Eastbourne after a swan became trapped in bushes. Local residents reported kids trying to kick the swan so it was decided best to free the swan from the bushes and relocate. While releasing the swan at Princes Park in Eastbourne, Trevor spotted a swan with a swelling on the side of its head.

Shot
‘On examining the swan there was a clear entry and exit wound so the swan was transported to a vets for further assessment’ said Trevor. ‘The x-ray relieved damage to the swans head, so the swan was placed on a drip for the night and transported up to the National Swan Sanctuary at Shepperton in Surrey for specialist veterinary care.’

Run Over
Early Sunday morning WRAS was called to Kingsway Hove near Hove Lagoon where a swan had been run over. Sussex Police looked after the swan saving it from further injury until WRAS Rescuer Tony Neads arrived on site. ‘The swan was in a bad way and needed veterinary attention quickly so we took the swan to Coastway Vets for emergency treatment’ said Tony. This swan was also delivered up to the Swan Santuary at Shepperton for specialist care.

Dog Attack
Trevor was then called to Hove Lagoon after a report of a collapsed swan in the lagoon. The swan was very lethargic, unable to stand and dribbling. Trevor, with the help of one of the local RSPCA Animal Collection Officers, caught the swan and examined it on the grass. The swan was rushed in for veterinary care but died shortly after arrival. An examination of the swan showed the swan had marks of a dog attack.

‘This is the third swan at Hove Lagoon which WRAS has had to rescue in the last few year as a result of the lagoon being drained and dogs being able to jump in and chase after and attack the swans’ said Trevor Weeks, ‘it is dam right cruel to let your dog cause suffering in this way. Personally I wish the swans did not stay at the lagoon as it is just not safe for them, but people feed them and they now won't fly off as a result when the lagoon is drained. However, the blame for this swan being killed has to lay squarely with the dog owner, if you can't control your dog then it should not be off the lead - simple.’