Attempted abduction of trumpeter swan foiled

Police stop woman who reportedly tried to take bird off Burlington beach

Waterfowl lovers in Burlington had a scare this week after reports of a woman trying to kidnap a trumpeter swan at LaSalle Park.

But park-goers called police and an officer intervened around10:30 a.m. Monday, Halton Regional Police media officer Const. Steve Elms said Wednesday.

Elms said there wasn’t enough evidence to prove the woman was trying to steal the swan. Even so, he added, “It’s not theft because it’s a wild animal.”

There was no basis to lay animal cruelty charges, either, which is why the woman was only issued a warning, Elms said.

Liz Benneian, a spokesperson for the Trumpeter Swan Coalition, says she’s relieved to hear the good news.

“I’m disturbed to hear that somebody was trying to take a swan and I’m very grateful that somebody called the police right away.”

Benneian said the trumpeter swans, which coalition members have tagged to help conserve the population, are accustomed to human contact.

The coalition is still concerned about another swan — a male (A59, also known as Ace) that hasn’t been seen since Sunday.

“It’s gone missing from the beach and its family is still there, and that’s very unusual,” Benneian said.