Nantwich councillors are pushing a for a new byelaw against owners who allow dogs off leads after a swan was attacked by Nantwich Lake and had to be put down.
Felix was a popular site in and around the lake but was attacked and badly injured by a loose dog two weeks ago.
Despite a major rescue by fire crews and RSPCA, Felix’s injuries were too severe and he was unable to recover.
He was put to sleep at RSPCA Stapeley Grange in Nantwich a few days later.
Now town councillors have agreed to pursue a new byelaw covering the lake and surrounding area.
If granted, it could see dog owners prosecuted if they have their pets off a lead in the designated area covered by the local legislation.
Cllr Kim Jamson, Mayor of Nantwich, told last night’s Nantwich Town Council meeting: “The wildlife centre have told me it was so severe antibiotics could not save him and he was put to sleep.
“The RSPCA have asked us if there is anything we can do to prevent this. The pair of mating swans had five cygnets, we are now down to one.
“This is a concern for many of us who take a lot of pleasure from the swans, but the lake is not an environment controlled by the town council.”
Town Council clerk Samantha Roberts confirmed she had been in touch with Cheshire East Council as a result of the incident.
She said: “They have responded already and are making inquiries and asking if there is a possibility of putting down a byelaw as enforcement to make sure dogs remain on leads.
“We have tried to educate people by placing notices around the area asking owners to keep their pets on leads, but these notices themselves have been vandalised.
“So unfortunately this approach is not working at the moment.”
RSPCA Stapeley Grange manager Lee Stewart said he would “100%” support the move having seen a number of attacks on wildfowl in and around the lake.
He said: “RSPCA Stapeley Grange welcomes the proposal to introduce measures requiring dogs to be kept on leads around Nantwich Lake and Mill Island, as well as other public spaces where wildlife is particularly vulnerable.
“It is always heart-breaking to see injured wildlife admitted to our hospital after being attacked by dogs.
“These incidents are often preventable, and simple actions such as keeping dogs on leads in sensitive areas can make a significant difference.
“Our local wildlife should be enjoyed from a respectful distance, allowing animals to go about their natural behaviour without disturbance.
“Wildlife is facing increasing pressures, and while the vast majority of dog owners act responsibly, it only takes a small minority failing to keep their dogs under control for devastating consequences to occur.
“We fully support any measures that help protect wildlife and reduce the number of avoidable injuries arriving at our centre.”
Byelaws are generally created by local authorities and restricted to certain areas such as public parks, lakes and other spaces.
Since 2012, there is a simplified process in creating a byelaw and is now a matter for local councils such as Cheshire East.
(Pics courtesy of Nantwich News reader)
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