Fairlie swan killed by pitbull

Published 27 Aug 2010 14:40 11 Comments

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Fairlie dogwalkers were left in a state of shock after witnessing a swan being brutally attacked on the local seafront by a pitbull terrier last Tuesday morning.

Concerned residents phoned Hessilhead Wildlife Centre following the incident which was witnessed by a fellow dogwalker as the mother swan and signet tried to battle the attentions of the vicious dog. (See letter on page 4).

The male swan had suffered a compound fracture to its wing and had to be put down at the Lochwinnoch sanctuary. It is believed that the couple who were walking the Staffordshire bull terrier had parked at the lay-by in a red car before the distressing attack occurred.

It is the third pitbull attack in the local area during the past month after a Jack Russell dog was violently attacked on Largs promenade which resulted in a 19 year old Largs man being reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

See this week's 'News' for more on this story.

This article appeared in Largs & Millport Weekly News 25 Aug 10

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Villager
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Aug 27, 15:35
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As native wild birds, swans enjoy statutory protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to intentionally injure, take or kill a wild swan.

The Act similarly protects the eggs and nests of swans. It is an offence to take or possess the egg of a wild mute swan, or to damage or destroy the nest of a mute swan whilst in use or being built. Unfortunately, swans and their nests are sometimes a target for vandals.

Anyone seeing an offence against swans or other wildlife is encouraged to contact their police Wildlife Liaison Officer through their local police station.

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jakeyrollin
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Aug 27, 17:03
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Could the dog be trained to go for Seagulls ?

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jennyone1
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Aug 28, 01:07
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A pit bull terrier is not the same as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Maybe the journalist who wrote this should check to find out exactly what kind of dog it was. Under UK law, a pit bull dog is defined as being like an American Pit Bull - they have long bodies and have an athletic built. Staffies are much smaller and more rounder.

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deednotbreed
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Aug 28, 01:08
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A pit bull terrier is not the same as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Maybe the journalist who wrote this should check to find out exactly what kind of dog it was. Under UK law, a pit bull dog is defined as being like an American Pit Bull - they have long bodies and have an athletic built. Staffies are much smaller and more rounder.

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jennyone1
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Aug 28, 01:08
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A pit bull terrier is not the same as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Maybe the journalist who wrote this should check to find out exactly what kind of dog it was. Under UK law, a pit bull dog is defined as being like an American Pit Bull - they have long bodies and have an athletic built. Staffies are much smaller and more rounder.

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jennyone1
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Aug 28, 01:09
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A pit bull terrier is not the same as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Maybe the journalist who wrote this should check to find out exactly what kind of dog it was. Under UK law, a pit bull dog is defined as being like an American Pit Bull - they have long bodies and have an athletic built. Staffies are much smaller and more rounder.

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Jupiter
53 posts
Aug 28, 05:02
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Jennyone1

I'm sure your comments are well intentioned, however the precise breed is quite irrelevant. The bare facts are that there is a vicious dog, or maybe two, improperly supervised, loose in the area, responsible singly or jointly for 3 attacks in a little over a fortnight. The dog(s) should be shot, and the owners jailed.

Please don't break our hearts with well-meaning drivel about certain breeds being misunderstood because of public ignorance. Most breeds of this type are merely kept as an extension to an Owner's malformed ego.

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Jupiter
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Aug 29, 15:01
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The breed is quite irrelevant. Vicious uncontrollable dogs should be shot, and the owners jailed.

Whyever did no-one call the police?

Certain breeds have a reputation for violence, and anyone who keeps one as a pet is either up to no good, or a misguided cretin.

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DerekTrotter
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Aug 30, 19:34
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Oh, exciting stuff as per usual.

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MaryBale
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Aug 30, 22:40
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Instead of putting the dogs down when caught - why not put the dog owners down instead?

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******
Aug 31, 21:33
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******
Sep 1, 08:29
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Syahrial
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Apr 26, 06:28
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wow he has a lot of energy he rmndeis me of my female pit she is so hyper everytime we play lol. most people don't understand that you can't use harsh discipline with a pit or other very strong willed dog. i have trained many different types of dogs and i have found pits to be the ones who want to please more than any other. if you use violence to discipline then you will get violence in return.ï»¿ this breed are such people pleasers. u can't help but love them mine r goofy when playing

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