Child louts batter and taunt UK wildlife park

Feral youths have been "taunting" and battering a country park's swans "with sticks" - while sick thieves have stolen their protected eggs, a shocked council has heard. Swans are highly protected in the UK; the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 making it a criminal offence to intentionally kill or injure a wild swan, or damage or destroy their nests and eggs.

But a local councillor in Bolton, Greater Manchester, told a council meeting how kids had reportedly been "taunting or hitting a swan with sticks" at Moses Gate Country Park with one swan found dead. Sue Haworth, a Reform UK councillor for Farnworth, raged: "One report said school age children were taunting or hitting a swan with sticks."

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She said another swan was seen being "pushed or thrown" during an incident in May. "This was reported to the police. The volunteer found a dead swan, saying it had neck injuries.

"Disgusting food keeps being left for swans like doner kebab, spicy wedges, chicken with bones and sauce. Such food is also thrown into the water. This food can kill the wildlife."

All wild, unmarked mute swans in open waters technically belong to the Crown, a royal prerogative dating back to the 12th century.

Haworth also said around 25 swan eggs had been reported missing at the park this year.

The incidents were discussed as Bolton councillors debated a motion proposed by councillor Debbie Newall seeking to commit the authority to adopting an animal welfare charter, setting out its approach to protecting animals.

The motion, which was supported by councillors, also affirms a whole-council approach to animal welfare, recognising its relevance across multiple service areas of the authority.

During the debate on the motion, Haworth took the opportunity to update members on recent reports of animal abuse at the park.

She added: "Volunteers also know of the swans' nests in the park, they report that around 25 eggs are missing. They say this is crime by people in the park."

According to the councillor, residents in Farnworth "continue to demand appropriate police and council action" in country parks.

She added that at the bird hide in Moses Gate Park, used for birdwatching, there was evidence of anti-social behaviour and crime.

She said: "There's vandalism with parts of benches and seats thrown into the river Croal, there's graffiti, charring from fires and strong smelling urine."

Councillor Liam Barnard, of the ruling Labour council, said: "I do agree with you councillor Haworth, being a representative in Little Lever, Moses Gate in very close to my heart. Residents of my ward have very similar concerns."

Earlier this month police, politicians and animal welfare charities met Home Office officials to discuss the impact of catapult crime after attacks on swans and other wildlife.

One police force says it is recording an average of 14 crimes a day involving the weapons, with teenagers posting videos online of wildlife being shot.

A government spokesperson said: "Catapults should not be used for illegal purposes, whether against people, wildlife or property.

"We continue to keep all relevant legislation under review in the interest of public safety."

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