Kildare wildlife charity highlights deaths of cygnets in park
The deaths of the young animals were caused by discarded fishing lures
A wildlife charity based in County Kildare has highlighted the deaths of three cygnets in a park.
According to a post from an online group, which focuses on matters relating to Corkagh Park in County Dublin, a representative for Kildare Wildlife Rescue (KWR) has spoken about how the cygnets were killed in the space of 36 hours in the popular location.
The author of the post explained that the cygnets were killed by discarded fishing lines, while the KWR rep said that they suffered ‘horrific, slow, horrible [and] frightening’ death.
Moreover, the KWR rep released the following appeal: “Whoever is in charge of the parks and makes these decisions about allowing young people fishing... something has to be done.”
The rep suggested the formation of an official fishing club which will ‘monitor the situation’ at the park.
They also claimed that many children who fish in the park ‘haven’t a clue [about] the harm that is being done to the wildlife’.
In addition, the post revealed that while another cygnet was injured, it was later released back into the park.
However, the post also warned: “It inhaled a lot of water, so please be on the look out for any signs of the cygnet being unwell.”
COMMENTS
The post received numerous comments, with one person saying: “I’d really like to see more support and guidance for the kids around the lake; a lot of them are interested and want to learn, but they need experienced anglers to help point them in the right direction and teach them how to look after the area.
“I’ve also noticed a real lack of bins around the lake; more bins, along with clear signage reminding people to take their rubbish home or dispose of it properly, would make a big difference.
“If we want young people using and respecting these places, we need to give them the guidance and facilities to do it properly.”
Another said: “Absolutely desperate, those poor babies hadn’t a chance.”
Lastly, a separate commenter called out the ‘disgraceful behaviour’ of those who discarded the fishing lines.
In other news related to KWR, an upcoming fundraiser for the charity will take place next week in Athy.