Some more devastating news as this is the second death in this park within a couple of months. Many dog owners simply refuse to keep their dogs on a lead whilst near wildlife with dire consequences. Moreover, it would seem that the local council doesn't give a hoot.
"Boris and Doris are two of many characters on Stanley Park in Blackpool. We have loved these two swans and cared for them for several years, keeping them fed during every bird flu season, along with support feeding their yearly broods (which they almost always sadly lose to bird flu there every winter).
We are sharing photos of them in happier times.
Heartbreakingly, Doris has had to be put to sleep this evening following a suspected dog attack injury that certainly hadn't happened today and had left her with her shoulder ripped out of the joint and a severe compound wing fracture (bones irreparably sticking out).
Thanks to the dog owner, who like many other persons on Stanley Park, chose not to control their dog on a lead around wildlife, our vet had no choice but to end her suffering. Thank you to Adrian and team at The Veterinary Health Centre Ltd for helping Doris this evening.
Doris had 5 babies at present with Boris. It will forever be etched on our mind when we had to take her away from her babies this evening never to return. I can't tell you what this does to us too, rescue can be the best but also the worst job in the world.
Boris will be bereft. Can people who know them please look out for him and their little babies with extra food?
These deaths wiill not stop, in our opinion, until the park enforces dogs on leads around wildlife and reinstalls it's rangers to police it. Fylde Council can manage it, why can't Blackpool Council?
We don't have any other words left in us this evening, but we can tell you that Stanley Park is not a safe place for wildlife.
Rest in peace beautiful Doris, we will take care of Boris and your beautiful babies
1,400 responses to 'dogs on leads' consultation as council responds to swan death
Authorities are to start engaging with dog walkers in Blackpool parks to highlight the importance of responsible ownership, as Blackpool Council say they are analysing the responses from the recent PSPO consultation.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
