The 11-year-old swan, referred to as Jesse, was assaulted by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which was supposedly off its lead in the park around 12.30pm the other day afternoon (Wednesday, July 5).
Jesse just recuperated from a previous dog attack last month. Brambles Wildlife Rescue took her into its care and nursed her back to strength prior to returning her to the boating lake in Stanley Park.
In our video, you can enjoy Brambles volunteer Mel Greenhalgh release Jesse back into the boating lake after the charity assisted her recuperate from her last dog attack.
The Brambles group said they were ravaged to learn that Jesse – “the gentlest of giants” – had actually once again been assaulted. This time, she was discovered dead at the scene on the boat ramp beside the lake.
The deadly attack was experienced by frightened park staff who said the Staffie owner got his dog and made a rash exit from the park. But it was far too late for Jesse.
The occurrence was reported to Lancashire Police and Blackpool Council, and Brambles Wildlife Rescue is prompting the authorities to do something about it.
A representative for Lancashire Police said: “We have been made aware of this incident but it’s one for the council in the first instance and they’ll report it to us again if they think it necessary.”
Swans are safeguarded in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and anybody condemned of unlawfully eliminating them can be fined as much as £5,000.
“She was the gentlest of giants”
Mel Greenhalgh, of Brambles Wildlife Rescue, thinks Blackpool Council ought to make it a requirement for all dogs to be continued leads in particular public areas, consisting of parts of Stanley Park.
She said Jesse’s death has actually left her and her group ‘heartbroken’ and she is asking anybody with comparable issues over off-lead dogs to make their views heard in an assessment presently being run by Blackpool Council.
“There are no words for how we feel,” said Mel. “She stayed with us after the last attack dog last month which nearly killed her.
“We managed to rehabilitate her and it was a joy to see her return to her home in the boating lake. Sadly, her second chance at life didn’t last long.
“The only thing we can do for Jesse now is to not let her horrific death be in vain.
“Please add your view to the Council consultation with regards to dogs off leads in specific areas of Stanley Park – whatever your view, please take the time to voice it.
“RIP Jesse, may the next world be amazing for you our love.”
Could the Council restriction dogs off lead?
Blackpool Council are requesting for the neighborhood’s views on the prospective intro of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the town’s parks and green open areas.
The Council website says: “The PSPO is proposed because of a number of negative behaviours presented by some individuals which have impacted on our environment and the enjoyment of our parks and open spaces by residents and visitors.”
