Swan killed in netting in Thetford (contains distressing images)
Its mate survived
Last updated 8th Apr 2021
Rescuers were called to help a swan who was caught in what is believed to be poaching netting in Thetford.
Sadly, another swan caught in the netting is believed to have drowned and the RSPCA is working with a number of agencies to investigate the incident.
The swans were spotted on 3 March by concerned members of the public at Lynford Lake, Mundford, which is on Forestry England land.
The birds were out in the middle of the lake and one appeared entangled and distressed and sadly seemed to be dragging a dead swan along in the netting they were both caught in.
Firefighters from Norfolk Fire and Rescue were called to attend and used their water rescue boat to reach the stricken swan.
Thankfully the swan was not injured so was checked over and then released back on the water, the second swan is believed to have drowned after becoming caught in netting which it is believed to have been placed in the water to illegally catch fish.
RSPCA Inspector Jon Knight who is investigating the incident said:
"We are grateful to the firefighters for rescuing this poor swan as this bird would never have been able to get free from the netting by themselves.
"It is really upsetting that another swan has likely died as a result of this netting in the water - especially given that it should never have been there. The netting was of some considerable size and was extremely heavy - which is why the poor swans could not escape.
"Two large fish had also been caught in the netting and were released.
"I informed Forestry England and they stated that the netting was not theirs so I believe it's safe to say that it would have been put in the lake illegally.
"I have also reported the incident to the police and the Environment Agency.
"I am investigating this incident and would urge anyone who has any information to contact me on the RSPCA inspector appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018 or call the police."
A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said:
"If members of the public have any information on who might be responsible for the large net that was discovered at Lynford Lake we urge them to come forward and tell us. Even the smallest bit of information could help our investigations.
"You can contact us at any time via our incident hotline number 0800 807060. Anyone caught with an illegal net will be prosecuted and could face a substantial fine or a custodial sentence."
A spokesperson for Forestry England said:
"We support the RSPCA and Environment Agency's enquiries for further information regarding this wildlife crime at Lynford Water and are saddened by the needless drowning of a Swan on the lake."
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Scott Norman said:
"On this occasion the net has caused problems for wildlife and we were pleased to be able to release one of the birds but saddened the other one could not be saved.
"This kind of netting also poses a risk to human life too. We know that sometimes people swim in open water and this should only be done in designated safe areas. This illegally placed netting could not have been seen from the surface of the water and could have caused a swimmer to become trapped. We welcome the investigation into this incident."
PC Les Maguire said:
"The area of Lynford Lakes is protected under the SSSI scheme (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and as such, no genuine organisations would use nets like these for any purpose. We suspect the nets have been placed there in efforts to illegally poach fish. We will be increasing our patrols in the area and would appeal to anyone with information to come forward to help identify and trace those responsible. I also urge members of public using the area to be vigilant to suspicious activity and nets like these being left in the area."
Anyone with information should call Thetford Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101