Concerns raised after dead swans found ‘rotting’ in Prestatyn river

A resident contacted the Journal saying that, in the last month, they have noticed four dead swans in the river by the Morfas pitches in the town.

Despite the resident contacting both Denbighshire County Council (DCC)’s environmental health services, and the RPSCA, they said that “no investigation seemed to be carried out”.

This comes in a week when an avian influenza prevention zone has been declared across Great Britain, and when bird flu was identified in poultry at a site in Anglesey.

The resident said: “There has been no inspection despite there being four dead birds.

“I saw one dead one, rotting by the railway. I phoned environmental health and they said they couldn’t come to collect dead birds as it was too dangerous, the RSPCA couldn’t come because of bird flu, and the council said it was not their property.

“They died one after another, but no investigation seemed to be carried out on their deaths.

One of the dead swans found in the river in Prestatyn (Image: Newsquest)

“One was in the water for ages, near the railway. The council knows about it. One died on the banks; a member of the public found it dead.

“Another one, I think, sank, while another is rumoured to be in a hedgerow near the railway tracks, and another, which was sick and not eating, has died now.”

The resident expressed their anger with the treatment of the birds, believing that the authorities have dealt with the situation “appallingly”.

They also urged a rule for dogs to be kept on leads when walking by the river, fearing that they could otherwise be a danger to wildlife.

The resident added: “The main issue I have here is that they were not given enough respect; they were just left to decompose in the water, and their bodies left in hedgerows.

“I believe an investigation should have been carried out into their deaths to find the exact cause, and an RSPCA intervention (if not avian flu).

“I did ring the company that deals with avian flu to check on it, but they didn’t come.

“I thought it was handled appallingly and was disrespectful to the swans. All of the associated authorities had time to do an investigation as soon as the first three died.

“I don’t think safety is a priority there, as dog walkers are not always putting dogs on leads when passing.

“I also want a sign put up, near vulnerable wildlife, for dogs to remain on leads, as not everyone has the compassion or decency to do that.”

A dead swan rotting in the Prestatyn river (Image: Newsquest)

In response, both Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and DCC said they were aware of the issues.

Anyone who witnesses such an incident has also been encouraged to contact the helplines at either the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) or NRW itself.

A Natural Resources Wales (NRW) spokesperson said: “We are aware of recent reports of dead swans in Prestatyn.

“If you find any sick or dead birds, you can report it to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 and NRW’s helpline on 0300 065 3000.

“Do not handle sick or dead birds and try not to disturb wild birds. Do not approach large flocks and make sure to disinfect footwear and keep dogs on a lead at all times and away from birds.”

READ MORE:

Confirmed case of Avian Influenza at Anglesey site

Seasonal bird flu advice for Denbighshire poultry and game bird owners

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council added: “We are fully aware of this unfortunate situation and have actively raised this with our partner agencies.

“Two of the deceased swans have been removed off council land by our countryside rangers.”

The RSPCA added that the reasons behind the deaths of these swans was unclear, but advise people to call the Defra helpline if they find:

• One or more dead bird of prey or owl.

• Three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks).

• Five or more dead birds of any species.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will then collect some of these birds and test them to help them understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird.

Calls to the Defra helpline about dead wild birds are triaged, and not all birds will be collected.

The criteria for which birds are collected are adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivity of surveillance.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We are very sad to hear that a number of swans have been found dead in Prestatyn.

“Although we are not aware of the reasons for these deaths - if there is any suspicion of intentional harm, please call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

“For more information, please check our online advice about what to do if you find a sick or injured bird (www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/diseases).

“If you do call us for help, please bear with us, as our rescue teams are under a lot of pressure.

“High numbers of sick and dying birds are being reported across the UK due to the ongoing and severe UK-wide avian flu outbreak, which is continuing to spread through bird populations.

“It's been devastating for the RSPCA - and wildlife lovers across the country - to see birds perish from this awful disease.”

The avian influenza prevention zone will require all bird keepers to adhere to certain biosecurity measures.

In response to the suggestion of a sign about dogs being kept on leads by the Prestatyn river, the RSPCA added that it would always urge dog owners to be responsible near wildlife and livestock.

The RSPCA spokesperson added: “If there is particularly an issue in this area, we would support a sign to remind dog walkers.

“Dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to keep their dogs under control in a public place.

“Swans, their nests and their eggs are also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

“For more information about responsible dog walking in the outdoors, please visit the RSPCA’s website: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/walking.”