Recent animal cruelty and abuse, including the unlawful slaughtering of a wild female swan at canoe lake park on the 26th of August 2025, at the hands of senseless children, has led to public outcry and anger. 

These acts of cruelty have and will happen again, if action isn't taken. This will result in loss and injury to more wildlife and may even result in further unrest, disorder and escalation when perpetrators are confronted by moral citizens.

The Portsmouth city council must act on this cruelty and other examples of disorder in the local area. Therefore, the people demand that Portsmouth City Council relocate the Community Wardens hub to supervise and manage the wildlife and public conduct at canoe lake park specifically but with authority across the wider Portsmouth CC nature and wildlife spots during seasonal peak hours, for example: (winter: 10:00 - 18:00, spring: 09:00 - 20:00, summer: 09:00 - 00:00, autumn: 09:00 - 20:00), this addition will also allow for antisocial behaviour management in Southsea, on the esplanade, south parade pier and wider areas.

PCC wardens will not only act as a deterrent to this foul criminal behaviour but will also allow for direct communication with Hampshire Constabulary for improved policing response times and for evidence gathering, aiding in subsequent prosecution in the event that further wildlife crimes are commited in the presence of PCC wardens.

Additional signage should also be put up in the local areas highlighting the criminal and financial repercussions of engaging in wildlife crimes and animal abuse.

We must make an example of this type of behaviour and prevent it from becoming an acceptable part of society in the younger generations.

This is a call for immediate action and must not be rested upon.

Media Updates:

The Portsmouth News Article Link 29th of August 2025: 

"We are outraged" - Portsmouth City Council appalled by "cruel act" against swan as local residents start petition for more protection

The Portsmouth News Article Link 27th of August 2025:

"We tried everything we could, but it wasn’t enough" - swan beaten to death by group of children in "senseless and unprovoked attack"

Facebook Post from Swan Support Charity on the 26th of August 2025:

UPDATE: With heavy hearts, we share that she passed away in the early hours of this morning. We are utterly heartbroken. We tried everything we could, but it wasn’t enough - and for that, we are so deeply sorry. You deserved a kinder world. Fly free now, beautiful girl 🌈

Some days it truly feels like we’re fighting a losing battle. The weight of it all is overwhelming, and we find ourselves on the edge of giving up. But then we think of those we’ve been able to save - and we keep going. We hold on to the hope that one day, our wildlife will be treated with the compassion, dignity, and respect they have always deserved.

Last night, we were called to a lake in Portsmouth following a deeply upsetting report of deliberate cruelty towards one of the resident swans.

Eyewitnesses told us that a group of children had thrown stones and sticks at the swan, before repeatedly kicking and stamping on her. The level of force used was clearly intended to cause serious harm. Shockingly, it’s been reported that there was an adult with them who soon disappeared when approached by witnesses and that the children’s parents were sitting across the park at the time.

We are working closely with Portsmouth Council and Hampshire Police to pursue the matter!

The swan received immediate veterinary attention today. While she’s not out of danger yet, there has been a small improvement in her condition, and we remain hopeful. Our team will continue to monitor her closely as she recovers. This incident has also come with an unexpected financial burden - one that could have been so easily avoided.

We are absolutely heartbroken by what this swan has endured. The fear and pain she must have felt in such a senseless and unprovoked attack is unimaginable. It’s deeply concerning that we are seeing more of these incidents - and even more so when they involve children.

This isn’t just about wildlife. It’s about empathy, compassion, and the values we instil in the next generation.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our work - your kindness makes a real difference. We’ll keep you updated on the swan’s progress.

Thank you to Mary for waiting with the swan until we arrived.

Swan Support - Facebook Article Link