14th
September
More
swans have gone missing from a Weymouth bird reserve.
A week
after the Dorset Echo reported the sad news that a family of mute swans were
feared dead after being taken from the RSPB Radipole Lake reserve, it has been revealed that more
of the protected birds have been targeted.
Swan
warden at Radipole Lake Derek Davey claims a further nine birds, including some
cygnets, have been stolen by thieves. This is on top of the seven which were
taken previously and reported to police.
Police
have said there is nothing to suggest the original family of swans were stolen.
The RSPB
has also suggested an animal could be responsible, but that it was a 'mystery'.
Mr Davey
is adamant that human thieves are at work.
He would
not speculate on why the swans are being removed and by whom but said it was
possible the birds were being targeted for food.
He has
again asked people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour.
Swans are
protected under the 1981 Wildlife Countryside Act which makes it illegal to
keep or kill them.
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