Swangate: No cover up – case closed
A councillor has spoken out to ‘growing speculation and concern’ around the deaths of two swans in Newport.
The swans were recently found dead in the town and police initially said they believed that both nesting swans in the tow path at Victoria Park were “shot with an air rifle’.
But a post mortem carried out at Cuan Wildlife Rescue has confirmed that the swans were killed by a ‘predator, most likely a dog’.
Councillor Thomas Janke has posted the result of the post mortem online in a bid to address “growing speculation and concern circulating on social media”.
Commentators have spoken of ‘cover ups’ over the issue which Councillor Janke claims is unfairly casting doubt on the integrity of the town’s local police.
Councillor Janke, who chairs Newport Town Council’s Community Safety Committee, says it is “disheartening to see that trust (in the police) undermined by speculation that has no basis in fact.”
“Over a number of years, The Newport SNT have worked hard to build a strong relationship between the community and local policing, and it’s disheartening to see that trust undermined by speculation that has no basis in fact,” he said.
“The local police sergeant has personally examined the swans and consulted the vet who carried out a closer inspection,” he said .”He can confirm the findings point clearly to an attack by a large animal – likely a dog, fox, or other predator.
“The injuries include crushing of the skull and bite marks consistent with a larger animal, with no evidence whatsoever of gunshot or pellet wounds.”
“Let me be clear: there is no police cover-up. The case is now closed. While we may never know the exact species responsible, what we do know is this was not caused by a firearm.”
He added: “I respectfully ask our community to refrain from spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories online.
“They do nothing to help the situation and only serve to harm the dedicated individuals who serve and protect Newport.
“That’s not to detract from those with legitimate concerns, all of the speculation about something we hold so dear naturally causes anxiety and raises questions.
“Thank you for your understanding and for supporting a respectful and responsible community dialogue.”
Pic: Newport Canal by Telford Live
