Bid to rescue dozens of birds caught in canal oil spill

The RSPCA was called to rescue dozens of birds following the large oil spillage which covered about 1.5 miles of the Wyrley and Essington Canal – from Leamore Lane to Hawbush Road.

More than 50 birds including swans, geese, ducks, moorhens, coots and gulls have been affected by the spillage and the RSPCA is now trying to locate them so they can be rescued and cleaned.

Already three oil-covered swans have been found and taken to a wildlife centre in Cheshire where they have been carefully cleaned using washing up liquid.

If oil is not removed from waterbirds it reduces the natural waterproofing in their plumage, leaving them at risk of dying from hypothermia - so it is vital that they are treated as soon as possible.

The RSPCA believes some of the oiled birds have now moved away from the area to avoid the spillage and are asking members of the public who see any to report the matter to them with an updated location so they can be rescued.

It is believed the oil was deliberately dumped and both the Environment Agency and Canal & River Trust have been informed.

Animal Collection Officer Catherine Strawford, who is dealing with the incident, said: “It is believed someone has deliberately dumped oil in the canal which has affected many birds.

“Initial reports suggested 50 birds had been affected by the spillage but we have been down to the location daily since the matter was reported to us on October 28, and so far have rescued three swans.

“We believe some birds may have moved slightly away from the area to avoid the oil so are asking the public to be vigilant and report any they see which appear to be contaminated in oil to contact us with a location so we can rescue them.

“Once they have been thoroughly cleaned they will be able to recuperate and will then be released back into the wild."

For more information on what to do if you find a wild animal in need of help, visit the RSPCA website at: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife