The public are being asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour directed at swans in Sandy Water Park.
It comes after reports of the lakeside birds being handled. Rangers have stepped up their controls but the public will have an important role to play in being watchful when in the area.
As native wild birds, swans enjoy statutory protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to intentionally injure, take or kill a wild swan.
The council’s executive board member for leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “These beautiful swans enhance the area at Sandy Water Park and are for the benefit of everyone visiting the area. It’s so sad and very unfortunate that swans and their nests are sometimes a target for vandals but if anyone is spotted carrying out any wrongdoing to them then they will be reported to the police.”
The Act similarly protects the eggs and nests of swans. It is an offence to take or possess the egg of a wild mute swan, or to damage or destroy the nest of a mute swan whilst in use or being built.
Anyone seeing an offence against swans or other wildlife is encouraged to contact their police Wildlife Liaison Officer through their local police station on 101.
