Cumbria Fire & Rescue service attended the Carlisle park on Saturday, July 4, to rescue a cygnet which had been trapped on a fishing line.
Instances of cygnets being injured by fishing lines on the pond have become increasingly common, alongside other disturbances towards the wildlife.
A video on social media showed children chasing swans around the pond.
Resident Cindy Collins has been rescuing swans and cygnets for over three years now Hammond’s Pond.
She said: “The situation is getting worse and it’s like banging your head against a brick wall dealing with the relative authorities who could easily solve the problem but who are reluctant to for reasons I don’t understand.
“It is very distressing for those of us involved in the rescue, which on a couple of occasions has involved help from the fire service who are fantastic.
“The abuse from kids fishing – it is mainly young people – is another problem that occurs during rescue and when trying to give advice.
“The safety of wildlife at Hammond’s Pond should not be down to members of the public because the council are worried about costs or the fact that that solving the issue is too much hard work for them. I have been in touch with Julie Minns who wrote to the council but received a letter back from them full of excuses.
“If something isn’t done then the only option would be to relocate wildlife from Hammond’s to safer place. A major operation in itself.”
Illegal fishing has already been flagged as a problem at Hammond’s Pond. A petition calling for fishing to be stopped was created after a cygnet died there.
On June 20 last summer, volunteers from local animal welfare groups responded to reports of a distressed cygnet in the pond. It took two days and multiple attempts before rescuers could safely net the young swan and take it to Craig Robinson Vets.
A yellow fishing float and a barbed hook were lodged in the bird’s throat. Despite initial hopes for surgery, the cygnet’s injuries were too severe, and the vets made the decision to put it to sleep.
A spokesperson for Cumberland Council said: “We are committed to protecting wildlife across all of our green spaces
“Fishing is not authorised at Hammond’s Pond and we are exploring all options to discourage this activity.
(Image: Newsquest)
“In the meantime, we undertake regular maintenance on the pond clearing litter and any discarded fishing line in an attempt to minimise the risk of wildlife getting caught by discarded fishing equipment.”
In February, Cumbria Police confirmed that enquiries were ongoing into two school-age boys who were reported as making attempts to harm wildlife at Hammond’s Pond.
In a post on social media, Cumbria Police wrote: “Not only is the behaviour antisocial it also may constitute offences under the Wildlife Act, a criminal record at whatever age can have life long consequences.”
(Image: Sonia Benson)
While Cumbria Police confirmed there are no ongoing investigations into incidents at Hammond’s Pond, they encourage members of the public to report concerns so that appropriate action can be considered.
A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said: “We have received reports of swans becoming entangled in discarded fishing line and isolated reports of young people targeting birds.
(Image: Supplied)
“In relation to fishing at the pond, the local council has installed signage advising that fishing is not permitted. This restriction is not something that can be enforced by the police, but we continue to work with partners to explore options for addressing concerns around fishing activity.
“Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team continue to patrol the area and are actively working alongside the council and other partners to address issues affecting Hammond’s Pond and the surrounding community.”
“We would encourage anyone who witnesses criminal activity, anti-social behaviour, or incidents involving wildlife to report them to police via our website or by calling 101.”