Falkirk animal lovers urged not to attempt swan ice rescues

The national animal welfare charity Scottish SPCA is asking people to think twice before attempting to rescue swans they fear may be stuck in ice because this action will put both themselves and the animal at risk.

During the recent cold snap, the society’s animal helpline has received over 70 calls from concerned members of the public regarding swans they mistakenly fear are stuck in ice on frozen lochs or ponds.

Despite the charity advising in the vast majority of cases the birds are able to free themselves, members of the public have been attempting their own rescues or, in some cases, calling the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to attend.

Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA chief superintendent, said: “We understand the public have good intentions when it comes to these birds and are concerned they are stuck or in distress.

“In reality, swans are incredibly powerful birds and more than capable of breaking any ice that forms around them. Occasionally, if temperatures are unusually low and the water is very still, like that found in a pond, they may become stuck.

“Normally the birds will simply break the ice themselves and fly off when they are ready to. We really must urge the public not to attempt to rescue any swans themselves, either by throwing items at the ice around the bird or venturing onto the ice.

“This will cause the swan a massive amount of stress and you could injure the bird if you are throwing any kind of projectile to break the ice. Worse still, if you venture on to the ice yourself you could be putting your life in danger.

“If you are concerned about a swan, or any waterfowl, during icy weather please monitor the bird from a distance. If the bird is there for a number of hours without moving, or appears sick or injured in any way, then please call our animal helpline in the first instance.”

The Scottish SPCA animal helpline number is 03000 999 999.