The RSPCA has expressed sadness after confirming it was unable to attend to an injured swan found in distress near the bowling green in Conwy last week.
The bird was taken to Mochdre Vets by a concerned member of the public after onlookers raised the alarm. Sadly, the swan passed away before reaching the practice.
Members of the public had tried to contact the RSPCA for assistance.
A spokesperson for RSPCA Cymru said: “We are really saddened to hear that this poor swan passed away and would like to thank those who looked out for this swan.
“We would urge members of the public to not to put themselves into danger in trying to reach animals like swans and instead seek out appropriate advice.
“As a charity with limited resources we must prioritise animals who are suffering from neglect and cruelty. Sadly, due to the numbers of these types of calls we are currently receiving, across North Wales and beyond, we were unable to attend to help this swan but our call handlers would have suggested alternative courses of help or advice in these situations.”
The charity added that guidance on what to do if a member of the public finds a wild animal in distress can be found on its website.
Veterinary Surgeon Sarah Heywood, at Mochdre Vets, confirmed that the swan had been examined by senior vet Lowri Kneale.
Lowri carried out x-rays and confirmed there were no signs of a pellet, but the swan’s leg was broken and there was “a lot of blood.”
The swan was checked for signs of bird flu - none were found — and the vets made arrangements for the bird to be cremated.
Lowri said: “Swans are such beautiful creatures this is sadly not the outcome we would have wanted.
“We would like to say a big thank you to the member of the public that brought the swan to us.
"Swans can be quite powerful so by potentially moving the swan they had put themselves at risk but the priority was to help stop the swan suffering or being exposed to further trauma.”
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