RPSCA chiefs are hoping to erect warning signs around Nantwich Lake after a popular young cygnet was attacked and killed by a dog.
The cygnet and its parents have been a regular attraction around the lake and riverside over the summer.
But Nantwichnews revealed how the cygnet, the only one to hatch from three swan’s eggs on Mill Island, died last week after an apparent animal attack.
Now Lee Stewart, manager of RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre on London Road, said they are keen to work with Cheshire East Council to install signs in the area to warn dog owners.
“The cygnet arrived with an open fracture on the wing and was put to sleep,” said Mr Stewart.
“It is very sad as staff had been monitoring this cygnet for some months, it had very inexperienced parents.
“We often get swans in that have been injured by dogs.
“We are always promoting responsible ownership and encouraging members of the public to keep their dogs under control and on leads if need be, especially around waterfowl.
“We are hoping to work with the Cheshire East Council in the coming months and plan to put up signs about this and other waterfowl related issues, which hopefully will help.”
The cygnet’s death has prompted an outcry among pet owners who claim there are too many “irresponsible” dog owners allowing their animals off leads around the lake.
One called for a “lead only” policy, with those caught letting dogs off their leads punished or fined.
(pic courtesy of Jan Millar)
Has anyone seen the swans recently? I never see them around anymore it’s so sad 🙁 I used to see them everyday with their little one, I havnt seen them for well over a week now.
So the suggestion is to put signs up to the effect that dog owners should attach said lead when nr swans, ducks, etc. So who will enforce this! Yep…no one. Just like many rules in life the majority will follow and do the right thing however, there will always be people who disregard them.
Yesterday evening I spent a while near the Nantwich pond. You see people feeding swans and ducks with chips and white bread. You see older people let their dogs hunt ducks. When you talk to them, no understanding the answer was “he only wants to play”. Many people with dogs off the lead. Unfortunately there seems to be no awareness and not much respect for wildlife.
As a dog owner who has walked her dogs around the river and Nantwich Lake I was really upset to hear about the young swan being attacked and killed. All through the swans nesting and the early life of the signet, myself and my dog walking friends were sure to put our dogs on the leads when we were near the swans or to avoid them altogether. It really disappoints me that people are so quick to want to impose a blanket ban on dogs walking off the lead because of a small number of inconsiderate dog owners. The lake is there for walker, runners, cyclists , children, adults and dog walkers alike. If everyone is considerate we can all enjoy this beautiful space. It is unfair to punish the majority because of the minority. Even if off lead walking was banned, it wouldn’t stop the. irresponsible dog owners just as if they banned fast cyclists and rowdy children, it wouldn’t stop inconsiderate people breaking the rules. There is a big community of dog walkers who get a great deal of pleasure from watching their dogs play and catching up with friends. Considering the amount of building on fields that is happening in Nantwich it is getting harder and harder to find places to walk our dogs. Please don’t judge all of us by one person’s actions and let us enjoy the lake and river along with everyone else.
Ps I also feel all dogs round the lake and weaver should be on a lead at all times ,
couldn’t agree more. it’s not just the lake that needs the ban.
As a dog owner myself I am very responsible for my own dog, But it’s the people who let there dogs off the lead and Not watch where they are or what there up too. Betty