THERE is concern after a number of deaths of swans and ducks in Carmarthenshire.

In the last few months, a number of mute swan and wild ducks have been found dead at ponds and lakes in the Millennium Coastal Park. The deaths – which are currently unexplained – are being investigated as the carcasses looked as if they were butchered rather than killed by predators such as foxes.

Mute swans are a protected species meaning that they are protected from harm. Wild ducks may only be ‘harvested’ when and where permitted, and as such, all wildlife on Carmarthenshire County Council property is protected from disturbance or harm.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s outdoor recreation services officers have become concerned about these deaths and are working closely with Dyfed-Powys Police, the rural crime team and Natural Resources Wales’ wildlife officer to investigate the deaths.

Cllr Hazel Evans, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, said: “The killing of wildlife on county council property is a grave crime which we will investigate fully with our partners, and I would urge members of the public to report any suspicious activity to the police at once.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired can text the non-emergency number 07811 311908.