At the Park Road pond in Rosyth Fife, multiple reports have been made to Police Scotland and the SSPCA after ducklings were allegedly harmed over two days by children and all of the ducklings have been rejected by the mother and have died as a result of this. The ducklings were only a couple of days old. The children are alleged to have entered the pond looking for their nest, caught them and put them in their clothes pockets. The next evening, a potential different group of children were allegedly witnessed wading around in the pond grass hitting the ducks and other birds with large sticks. The police attended and we hope to have more information from the police during the community meeting.

The SSPCA have been monitoring the pond to ensure the welfare of the pond’s other wildlife.

We mustn't assume that most children will act in this way. I'd like to make a plea to the community to not tar all children with the same brush and would like people to avoid commenting their opinions on social media about punishment and discipline. There are appropriate measures in place dealing with these issues.

We are calling on Fife Council to:

• Approve the installation of live-stream wildlife cameras to deter cruelty and help protect the animals.

• Enforce existing rules preventing dogs from entering the pond, as dogs are regularly seen chasing ducks and disturbing wildlife and to provide better signage.

• Support accessible nature connection via livestream for people who are housebound, disabled, or unable to visit in person, to allow them to enjoy the wildlife they would potentially miss out on otherwise.

These steps are essential to preserve the pond as a safe, thriving home for ducks and other animals—and a place of peace and learning for the community.

Please sign and share and consider a small donation to this petition to show your support for compassionate, proactive action.

I’ve contacted all local primary schools to request a dedicated assembly on the subject of wildlife protection and kindness. In addition, I’ve reached out to all news outlets and radio stations to raise awareness of what has happened at Rosyth Pond and to push for immediate action. 

Facts:

Interfering with ducklings—especially by separating them from their mother or trying to "rescue" them without cause—can be harmful or even deadly for the birds. Here’s what happens and why it can be dangerous:

1. Separation Stress and Survival Risk

Ducklings rely on their mother for warmth, protection, and learning how to find food. If someone picks up or moves ducklings away from their mother:

They may be abandoned: The mother might not find them again or may reject them if human scent confuses her.

They could die of exposure or starvation: Ducklings can't regulate their body temperature well and need constant care.

They're easy prey: Without a mother duck’s protection, they're vulnerable to predators like cats, gulls, foxes, or even crows.

2. Interference Causes Panic

When humans approach too closely, mother ducks may panic and flee:

She might abandon her nest or ducklings permanently.

Ducklings might scatter into dangerous areas like roads, drains, or other predators' paths.

3. Health Risks from Mishandling

Human hands can accidentally injure ducklings. Their bones are very delicate, and rough handling can cause broken limbs or internal damage.

4. Legal and Ethical Issues

In many places (like the UK), wild birds and their nests are protected by law (e.g., the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981). Interfering with them without good reason—like legitimate rescue under expert advice—can be illegal.

What to Do Instead:

Observe from a distance.

If a duckling is clearly injured or orphaned, contact a local wildlife rescue or the SSPCA for advice before touching it. If you with anything concerning gather evidence if possible and contact police.