News

Swan gets “a-rest” in police car after rescue by RSPCA

Published

3 years ago

April 20, 2022

A SWAN has been rescued after being spotted by a RSPCA wildlife officer during a patrol with the police in Milford Haven.

RSPCA wildlife officer, Ellie West, was travelling with a Dyfed-Powys Police PCSO as part of Operation Seabird – a campaign which urges people to be responsible around coastal wildlife, when they came across the unwell swan on Thursday 14 April.

The swan was found near the Castle Pill area Milford Haven, and clearly looked unwell.

Ellie said: “We were getting ready for the action day and planned some leaflet drops and chats with people but we got a little side-tracked as we could see a swan as we drove over the bridge. The tide was out, and she didn’t look right and her neck was flat back on her body.

“I managed to get her to temporarily sit it in the back of the police Land Rover we had been travelling in, and wrapped her in a police coat.

“We then drove back to my van, which was at Neyland Marina, to get the swan contained properly and I then drove her to Tinker’s Hill Bird of Prey and Swan Rescue Centre.

“It was lucky we came across her and the police ride went okay. This was a bit of an usual situation, as you’d never usually see a swan in the backseat of a police car!”

Ellie and Maria of Tinkers Hill suspect the swan may have been poisoned accidentally and blood samples have been sent off to check for lead toxicity.

“The good news is that she is eating and drinking and is being well looked after by Tinker’s Hill, who we’d like to thank for their help and expertise,” she said.

“Sadly it can be fatal if a bird is suffering lead poisoning as a result of ingesting fishing weights or because there was lead in the environment, so we hope she will be okay.

“This is a reminder about how dangerous fishing tackle can be for wildlife. Most anglers are very responsible and dispose of their litter carefully, but it only takes one careless moment and a life such as this can be lost. We ask all those who enjoy fishing to follow the Angling Trust’s Take 5 campaign and make use of the recycling scheme to dispose of their waste tackle and line.”

For more information about what to do if you find a wild animal in need of help, please visit the RSPCA’s website. The current advice, due to the situation with bird flu, is that people shouldn’t try to pick up sick birds themselves, but to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.

Related Topics:Milford Haven pembrokeshire

Up Next

Pembroke to unveil William Marshal statue

Don't Miss

Pembrokeshire protests over ‘inhumane’ refugee proposal

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

4 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.