On Tuesday 30th April, thoughtless people dumped five 25 litre oil drums of toxic engine oil in the River Welland near Peakirk, Lincolnshire, polluting 7KM of the river.
Luckily, a dog walker spotted the horrible sight in the water. Over 20 swans and some ducks were covered in oil and in order for them to survive, the RSPCA rushed them to a nearby rescue centre to wash the oil off. However, not all of the birds could be caught.
Mr Vandome of the RSPCA explained, “The birds will preen off the oil and then swallow it and die.” Another Spokesperson said, “Many of the birds are still able to fly, but we will continue to try to rescue as many of those contaminated over the coming days as possible.”
The Environmental Agency installed an oil boom, a high strength floating barrier to collect floating oil and stop it spreading further. Since the incident, police have launched an investigation to try to trace the culprits.
Anyone who spots wildlife they suspect may have come into contact with the oil, should contact the RSPCA.
This is a reminder of how much the environment means to us and the animals in it, and how much a senseless act can affect it. We need to care for it – not kill it!
By Lily Bull
Weston Hills Primary School
Photo credit: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
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