Luke and Leah were the reigning swans on Lake Hugh Muntz. Two young swans who had just produced their first three cygnets. They could and should have reigned on Lake Hugh Muntz for another 20 years. They were friends to all – both man and beast. Unlike some swans, Luke and Leah harmoniously befriended ducks, moor hens and all manner of other wildlife, as well as their many human friends… that was until a savage and ILLEGAL off leash dog brought Luke’s life to a gruesome and very untimely end. Poor Leah and their cygnets were forced to witness the entire incident, as were horrified park goers.

The life of a single female swan with dependent cygnets is a perilous one. She cannot find a new mate until her babies have fledged, which will be many months away, if she can protect them that long. After dealing with the shock, horror and grief of losing her mate, calling endlessly for her man who would never return, Leah really stepped up to the challenge and so far she is managing but THIS MUST NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!

The purpose of erecting a statue for Luke is not just in his valiant memory, giving his life to save his mate and first born cygnets, but to remind all human lake visitors that it is ILLEGAL to allow their dogs off leash and there are devastating consequences if they are irresponsible – both for our precious and beloved wildlife and in terms of fines and potentially more serious consequences for the dog owners. We need to see how many of you are prepared to say "YES, Luke deserves a statue and dog owners need to be made aware there are consequences"... and we need to know how much you'll chip in to help us make this happen... you can pledge support (please do NOT send money yet) by reaching out to LYNN SANTER or CATHY OSBORNE on Facebook or Contact Lynn Santer.