Chichester: Swans injured at East Beach pond in Selsey

Tim Smith and Sian Warren are an integral part of West Sussex Wildlife Protection, a charity which helps animals in the county.

Recently, the couple have focused their attention on East Beach pond in Selsey, Chichester, after being called out to two injured swans there, the first being in August.

Tim said: “We had a call about a cygnet who had swelling on its neck.

“It was feeding and drinking and it still had its parents with it, so we let the residents know to keep an eye on it and let us know how it goes.

"It was getting worse, so we took him to Arun Vets."

Wildlife volunteers will move the swans as a last resort if they're at significant risk (Image: Alf Kenny) From there, the animal was picked up by The Swan Sanctuary where a 13 centimetre wound was discovered in its throat caused by a fishing hook.

Tim added: “They said that if we hadn’t rescued him when we did, he wouldn’t have made it. It was a life-saving moment.”

The residents have since named the swan Hero, who Sian said was a “fighter” and is now doing well.

In September, the couple received another call-out for one of the adult swans at the pond who was injured by a fishing hook caught in its wing.

They have also heard reports of the swans being targeted with catapults.

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Sian and Tim said they are monitoring the situation but will take action and move the swans to a new location if they deem their safety to be of significant risk.

Tim said: “If we feel they are at risk of being seriously injured we will relocate them.

“We are urging the public to get video evidence, get it reported.

Tim and Sian rescue animals together (Image: Tim Smith) “Animal safety and the upkeep of wildlife is of paramount importance. Everyone has a duty to look after it.”

Councillor Donna Johnson, for West Sussex County Council, is also aware of the situation at the pond and has advised residents to report any incidents to police.

Councillor Johnson said: “Whilst there have been incidents, which are extremely upsetting and distressing for residents, it would be wrong to assume that they are representative of behaviour in Selsey, or that things like this happen regularly.

“As always, I have been anxious to encourage residents to report these incidents to the police, preferably when they are taking place.”

Sussex Police said they have received no reports of cruelty towards swans at East Beach pond in Selsey.

West Sussex Wildlife Protection runs with volunteers and donations. Contributions can be made at westsussexwildlifeprotection.co.uk.