A REWARD has been offered up for information leading to the prosecution of whoever was responsible for the recent death of a swan in Ballymun.
The swan is believed to have been killed in Poppintree Park on the night of Saturday, January 5. The bird was found dead in the pond of the popular park the following day.
It’s believed a gang of youths were drinking in the park the previous night and that a bottle may have been thrown at the swan causing its death.
It’s the second time in the space of a year that a swan has been killed in the park. The first swan died from horrific injuries after it was attacked by a dog last summer.
It’s believed that the swan died from a ruptured liver as a result of a trauma. The most recent attack has sparked outrage and disgust in the local community.
Local councillor Steve Wrenn (Lab) was so horrified by the attack that he put up a financial reward for any information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
“I’m absolutely disgusted and furious that someone could have killed one of the lovely swans in the park,
? he told Northside People.
“Whoever did this should be punished for their actions. It’s absolutely abhorrent. I can’t even get my head around the mentality of anyone who would think that throwing bottles at swans is entertaining.
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He added:
“I feel so strongly about this that I’m willing to put up
?¬300 of my own money for information that will be successful in bringing whoever did this to justice.
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Cllr Wrenn said in the event that the culprit handed himself in to the gardai, the reward money would be donated to charity.
Deputy Dessie Ellis (SF) said he was shocked to learn of the death of another swan in the park.
“Everyone loves to see these lovely birds in the park and it’s a disgrace and a complete shame that they are being killed,
? he said.
“There’s a lot of drinking in the park late at night so I would be calling on Dublin City Council to increase their patrols in the park to deter this behaviour.
“It’s also the responsibility of parents to instil in their children respect for animals.
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A spokesperson for Dublin City Council confirmed that the swan was found dead in the pond of Poppintree Park on Sunday morning, January 6.
“It had no prominent injuries and was sent for examination to the Department of Agriculture laboratory to see how it died,
? she stated.
“We are awaiting results and the gardai have been informed of the incident.
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Anyone with information is urged to contact Cllr Steve Wren on 087-2744249 or the gardai in Ballymun on 01-6664400.