Swan Dumped In Diesel

The SSPCA is caring for a swan found dumped in diesel in Glenrothes.

A swan is recovering in Scottish SPCA care after being found covered in
diesel at Stenton Pond in Glenrothes.
The weak male adult mute swan was discovered hiding in bushes by a
member of the public who immediately contacted Scotland's animal welfare
charity for help.
Staff at the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre at
Fishcross, near Alloa, carefully removed all the oil and the swan is now
being nursed back to health.
Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, "The person who found the swan in the
bushes was concerned by his refusal to move despite the close presence
of several dogs, a clear indication that he was in need of assistance.
"Our animal rescue officer brought the swan in to us and we gently
removed all traces of diesel from his skin, using the specialist oiled
bird facilities we have here.
"From the pattern of coverage it would appear that the swan had dipped
his head and neck into a diesel oil spill which had possibly gathered in
reeds at the edge of the pond.
"It is not uncommon for waterfowl to come into our care in this state,
often as a result of people irresponsibly disposing of oil in ponds and
waterways.
"This is a very reckless and dangerous thing to do as diesel is an
irritant which can cause extreme burning to the skin and, if ingested,
can also do a great deal of damage internally.
"Birds can and do die from the injuries they sustain from this type of
oil so we'd strongly urge people to dispose of this material in a
responsible manner.
"Thankfully we were able to clean and treat the swan before it was too
late, although he has lost a lot of neck feathers due to the burning
effect of the oil and he was underweight on arrival, suggesting he may
have swallowed some of the diesel too.
"We hope this swan will continue to improve and put on weight and that
we'll be able to return him to the wild in a few weeks' time."
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call the
Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.