Swans ‘taunted’ and ‘hit with sticks’ at park – Bolton councillor

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.