Swans 'taunted' and 'hit with sticks' at park

Swans are being "taunted", "hit with sticks" and left "disgusting foods", a Greater Manchester councillor has said.

Sue Haworth, Reform UK councillor for Farnworth, in Bolton, told a full council meeting that children had reportedly been "taunting or hitting a swan with sticks" with one swan found dead, according to volunteers at Moses Gate Country Park.

Haworth also said around 25 swan eggs had been reported missing at the park this year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"One report said school age children were taunting or hitting a swan with sticks," Haworth said. "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," Haworth continued. "This food can kill the wildlife."

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.

Haworth said one swan was seen being "pushed or thrown" during an incident in May.

"This was reported to the police," she said. "The volunteer found a dead swan, saying it had neck injuries.

"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."

Labour member Liam Barnard 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."

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