Swan 'harassed' by visitors to Sutton Park including 'children with sticks' - RSPCA issue statement

A post on Our Sutton Park Facebook page revealed images of a group to the park appearing to taunt a stressed-out swan, with children seen holding sticks.

The post read: “Disgraceful harassment of a swan in the park yesterday. I am disgusted. Note the sticks in the children’s hand.”

Many people took to the comments after the incident around Keeper’s Pool on Sunday, urging visitors to leave the nesting swans alone

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect.

“There’s lots more information about looking out for and being safe around wildlife on the RSPCA website, which we urge everyone to be aware of.

“All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal - except under licence - to take, injure or kill wild birds.

“Last year, 10,209 wild animals were admitted to the charity’s wildlife centres, compared to 7,519 in 2023 - a staggering 35% increase in just one year.”