Bashed swan local favourite
BANORA Point residents are coming to terms with the death of a neighbourhood favourite, Hercules the swan, which they say was bashed by children with a stick and then mauled by an off-leash dog.
The incident occurred about two weeks ago at the lake behind Twin Towns Juniors.
Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers volunteer Ron Potter was called to the site and found Hercules swimming in a channel. Mr Potter waited for Hercules to tire before using a net to capture the injured bird. He said he assessed the swan and believed it had “no chance” of surviving injuries that included puncture wounds down to the bones.
“He had been bitten quite savagely on the back,” Mr Potter said.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital senior veterinarian Michael Pyne said the swan’s injuries were so severe there was nothing the team could do to save him.
“The wounds were horrific, they were down to the bone,” Dr Pyne said.
“We would have had to amputate a leg and swans can’t survive on one leg, they’re too big a bird. It wasn’t a happy outcome.”
Dr Pyne urged dog owners to keep their animals on a lead, particularly at this time of the year.
He said when swans were approached by animals or people they stay on the land to protect their nest.
“It’s the same story for nesting birds in a tree,’’ he said. “It is not the time of the year to be doing extensive work to trees.”
Tweed Shire Council rangers are aware of the incident and have been patrolling the area.
Rangers team leader Nic Harrigan said the council received reports a swan was attacked by juveniles and a dog.
“Officers conducted a site inspection on Tuesday to determine what signage is required to ensure dog owners are aware of their legislative obligations,” Mr Harrigan said. “Council is making every effort to continue patrolling the area.’’