Forums Forums Local News Baby swans stolen from B/Head Park

HEARTLESS thieves stole and killed a group of baby swans from Birkenhead Park.

Visitors to the park have been left shocked after six cygnets went missing last Thursday and the body of one of the animals was later found.

It is thought the bird was shot with a pellet gun but the other five are still missing from their nest – police believe they died in the same way.

Eight cygnets arrived at the park's lake around two weeks ago and attracted attention from families, young and old.
However following their disappearance people feared the worst had happened, according to one regular visitor.

The visitor, who asked to be known by her first name only, Pauline, said: "I come here a few times a week and the signets have brought so much joy to the people who come here.

"Everyone from grandmas to kids loves them because they're such beautiful animals.

"When we noticed that six had gone, we didn't know if it had been a predator or humans – we were hoping it was predators because that is nature and you have to accept that. But to think that this could happen is just awful.

"This is a lovely park and so many people have worked hard to tidy it up and make it inviting.

"I don't understand why anyone would want to hurt them."

Merseyside Police's wildlife crime officer is now appealing for help from the public following the tragic incident.

Constable Rachael Krueger said: "This is a cruel and callous act of violence on defenceless animals.

"Swans are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to kill or injure such birds.

"We are working to trace those responsible, enquiries are on-going and I would like to appeal to the public for information."

Anyone who has information is asked to contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/9719167.Outrage_after_baby_swans_are_stolen_from_Wirral_park/

WHY?

omg what is wrong with people.The wirral does not appear to be a good place to be living of late.
Lets hope they catch the people responsible for this

Speechless! As there seem to be cameras everywhere else, surely there should be some in the park.

Same thing has happened before with about 12 ducklings, a few years ago now.Each one killed.

This cannot be put down to deprivation,... it's complete mental sickness.

"WHY?"

Lazy parenting and chavvy teenagers with no idea of the responsible way to behave?

Forgot to add and a society that beleives everything is someone elses fault, there's no doubt some money grabbing lawer will be claiming that they weren't told not to steal baby swans and shoot them in the head so it wasn't their fault when they did......

mindless thugs, may they have no luck. max

Di*kheads!
These sort of people need to be shot with a pellet gun!
Evil

Apart from the dead cygnets, do they know how serious this offence is?


quote"The maximum penalty for killing or injuring a swan would be £5000 or 6 months prison for each bird".quote

gobshites.

Arnt they the queens birds?
Bang out
I hate these yobs with a passion!
They all need mowing down !
Evil little fu*ks!

Yes Sarah, they are and it used to be the death penalty for killing a swan.That's how serious it is viewed.

The same thing has happened in Staffordshire. They have put up a £350 reward there, for information leading to arrest.

Why not here?

Probably because chances of the police ever finding the person that did it are miniscule. And, really, Birkenhead has a lot more serious crime that the police should be working on.

Though the link above says there's a Merseyside wildlife crime officer which I wasn't aware of, wonder if Staffs have one as well.

I should think all authorities would have a wildlife crime officer and not for one minute do I believe this has been committed by only one person. They are out doing such nasty things for no apparent reason, which is worrying.

bloody terrible, should do the same back to them

i hope the mindless thugs rot in hell, basta*ds!

They should be shot themselfs