An animal charity was called to help an Elgin swan yesterday after it was hit by a car.
A bird from the pond in Cooper Park was injured after being scared by off-lead dogs on the iced-over water.
Elgin Library reported the incident on social media after the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) was called to the scene.
The swan was hit by a car across the road, and initially stunned before the SSPCA found a cut to its leg which bled slightly.
Over the years, some dogwalkers and members of the public have used the frozen over pond as an ice rink during the colder months.
However, the library has noted they strongly do not recommend venturing on to the surface “in any circumstances” and take no responsibilities for any injuries.
Swan ‘terrified’ after dog incident
However, yesterday, in a post to social media, they said: “One of the swans has become terrified by dogs off-leash on the ice.
“It has run into the road and been hit by a car and injured.
“An SSPCA agent has just arrived at the pond.”
A spokesperson for the SSPCA said: “The Scottish SPCA received numerous calls yesterday afternoon, Sunday, January 12 regarding an injured swan in the Trinity Place area of Elgin.
“The swan had been hit by a car across the road and was initially stunned and there was a cut to a leg which bled slightly.
“An inspector attended the area and found the swan had made their way back on the pond which had begun to thaw and were back with their mate.
“The swan appeared fine, and the inspector will return today to check again.”
A day prior, on Saturday, the library posted to social media about a swan stuck in the frozen over pond.
After speaking to the SSPCA, Elgin Library were advised that swans are very powerful wild birds and are well adapted for swimming in cold temperatures.
The swans “should be able to” break the ice free at some point using their chests, and can survive for days if unable to do so.
The first warning said: “Please do not risk your own health and safety or that of others by attempting to go on the ice to free the swan.
“Please do not throw projectiles near the swan to try to break the ice.
“Please do not approach or let your dogs approach the swan at all.
“All of these activities are dangerous and will cause massive stress to the bird, putting it at risk of injury.”
‘Adverse’ Elgin weather meant disruption throughout town last week
Elgin was completely covered in snow last week following multiple weather warnings for snow and ice.
On Tuesday, January 7, Stagecoach even cancelled all Elgin buses until further notice due to the “adverse” weather and “really bad” roads.
Dozens of schools across the north and north-east closed, while others delayed opening or changed their transport options for pupils.
No additional snowfall or ice is expected in the town within the coming days.
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