I've just been a walk along the canal and saw a man (or boy) tormenting a swan with a remote-controlled boat in the marina.
To be honest the Swan didn't seem too bothered. It's used to people as the marina has a coffee shop and people feed them. I still think this was 'not on' though!!
Should I report it? I got a photo as evidence, although from quite a distance. (Swan on left of pic, boat about an inch to its right and man on the white boat on the far right)
Thanks
Pipit
Oh how terrible. It's unbelievable how people have fun by chasing, and in some cases, killing birds.
I'm no expert but if you were to report this, where would you report it? Even if this is reported I don't think there's much that can be done about it. Afterall, this is similar to people chasing around feral pigeons and local ducks. Having said that, this is simply dreadful.
'Dip a dee dah, dip a dee ay, we're not seeing any birds to-day...'
You could try your local RSPCA centre and see what they say. If they can't do anything they may be able to put you onto someone who can. I hope so. Needless teasing .
Sue
I'm glad the swan is not too bothered, but it makes me really cross to see people behaving like that.
Hopefully the person will get fed up, go away and not come back.
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom" - Wlliam Blake
Hi Pips.
I am afraid yes, i would find someone to report it too...Why ?....because i would feel better for doing so.
Until people start reporting things they see that are bang out of order, nothing will alter.
Changes can be made and as secretary of a residents ass.for 5 years i know we can make a difference.
An optimist sees the beauty of the complete rose.A pessimist sees only the thorn .
Thanks all for excellent advice and support xx
Alan, that's a great suggestion. I know the manager of the marina so I think I'll go and have a word.
Cheers
How infantile of this stupid man. But what's an even sorrier state of affairs, in my opinion, is that such behaviour doesn't even surprise me anymore, Pip :( People are so mindless and heartless these days.
If I were you I would report this behaviour - as Alan says, there should be some sort of authority controlling the marina, you could try that as a first "port of call", so to speak.
I hate to see any cruelty of any type to all living things.
I have seen this type of behaviour at Bedford Park, and other local parks to my area. Any animal who is let loose to hurt an animals shows the mentality of some people.
In one case a man let hIs 'crazy' very over-active Cocker Spaniel do the dirty deed, and that is allow it to harass an adult Mute Swan who was busy crazing on the grass
The antics of the dog caused the Swan to hiss, fluffed up its feathers as they do when they feel threatened. In this case the Swan simply got into the water to get some peace form the dog,
The man in this one case found it funny when I stood rooted to the spot.....glaring at him thinking quiet thoughts...relating to more like silent contempt (as I did in this case)
Yes, I would, blame the owner of the dog, and not the dog itself. The dog is not trained to behave itself, come back to command - simple as that
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi Pipit
Agree with Alan but be discreet as your going to be walking in that area again.
Being a working marina they may not be allowed to use remote controlled boats
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Thanks Anna. Yes, it's so sad that antisocial behaviour and even cruelty seem to be the norm towards both humans and animals these days. It makes my blood boil!!
Blackbird: I agree it's always humans that are to blame.
Alan: Thanks. I did go this morning to report the incident to the marina owner. He said he'd look into it. Not sure if he will, but I've done what I thought best now and can calm down a bit. And yes, I will be careful, although the towpath is a long way from the moored boats.
Thanks all
There are lots of marinas in Menorca, Spain, and I have never seen any cruelty at all in Menorca.
I think people abroad have a different view of life. They are more respectful towards animals wild or domesticated in their daily lives.
If we sailed along with speed boats, and dinghies together, it is not a good mxture at all. {only rescue boats who look after us have engines}
Anyway not everyone is bad in the UK. Depends on your point of view, and experiences.in the sailing world.
In the UK, those squirty speedboats/boats are one of my pet hates but that is another thread no doubt.
They are a big issue in the UK as many conservationists hate them as Dave and I do. I think it is a money thing that causes people to behave in this manner.
The thing is that people who scare animals or people have no class or manners - simple as that. - they are horrible people simple as that, and I would hate to met them in real life too.