Leeds couple rescue swan from group of teenagers 'tormenting it with sticks' in Roundhay Park

Chloe Scragg, 25, and her fiancé Luke Kerrigan, 26, were walking near Waterloo Lake on Thursday when they spotted a swan sat in a tree that looked to be in distress.

They were concerned for the swan's welfare so contacted Yorkshire Swan and Wildlife Rescue Hospital and walked around the lake to check if it was injured.

While they were walking towards the swan, Chloe said a group of teenagers on bikes picked up sticks and began "tormenting" the bird.

Luke shouted across at the teenagers who dropped their sticks and rode off on their bikes.

Chloe said: "It’s just so upsetting that the first thought in some people’s minds when they see an animal in distress or possibly injured is to start torturing it and possibly cause more injury or kill it.

"The swan let us get very close to it and we were able to see that it had no visible injuries. We had to encourage it to walk back to the lake and it stumbled down to the water.

"We stuck around for a few minutes and then happily went on our way."

Chloe shared the post on a local Facebook group and residents praised the couple for their quick-thinking actions.

"If you ever have a chance to make a difference, even if it’s just a small one, please take that chance", Chloe added.

If you spot a crime against wildlife, you can report it or ask for advice by contacting the West Yorkshire Police Wildlife and Rural Crime unit at [email protected].

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