Swans saved from fresh oil spill
TWO adult swans have been re-rescued by the RSPCA following a second oil spillage in a few weeks.
Five swans and an Aylesbury duck were rescued by the animal welfare charity’s water rescue team from the Leeds-Liverpool canal near Victoria Street, Clayton-le-Moors following reports of contamination in the water in early October.
The swans were returned to their home after they had the oil deep-cleaned from their feathers at the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, in Nantwich, Cheshire, and the oil spillage had been cleared.
A containment boom had been placed on the affected part of the canal by The Environment Agency to contain the oil spill before a vacuum would be used to clear the pollution.
But on November 4, the RSPCA were called to reports that some of the swans were once again covered in oil.
RSPCA animal rescue inspector David Cottingham was sent to the scene and said it appeared that a canal barge had driven through the boom, causing it to become damaged and the oil to spill across the water once again.
He managed to safely capture the two adult birds who were covered in oil. Their cygnets looked healthy but will continue to be monitored.
There were also concerns raised for a number of geese who were oiled, but rescue officers found the birds appeared to be in good health.
Concerns for a wild animal that has come into contact with oil or other contaminants should be reported to the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999.
Anyone who needs to report an oil spillage should call The Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60.