Ducks abused in Ballymount Park
REPORTS of animal abuse of ducks and ducklings in a local Tallaght park is a cause for concern and anger for local residents and park-goers in the area.
There have been multiple reports of ducks being targeted and abused in Ballymount park over recent months which has resulted in the park ranger monitoring the situation and increased patrols in the area.
The wonderful sight of ducks in Ballymount Park
Councillor Liam Sinclair for Tallaght Central said that he received multiple reports of abuse of the ducks, prompting him to raise the question for South Dublin County Council if they are aware of this at a recent Tallaght Area Committee Meeting.
“I walk in Ballymount park frequently and I do talk to people around there and they were telling me about it.
“It is anecdotal but there are reports of 14 and 15-year-olds at the ducks – in May there were baby ducks there and I am not sure if they were trying to take them or if it was a game to see if they could catch the ducks.”
Cllr Sinclair said that he is unsure whether the reports of abuse directly correlate to a social media trend.
As reported by The Echo in May, animal welfare organisations were inundated with calls about teenagers buying ducklings from street sellers for as little as €5.
At the time, the DSPCA told The Echo that they believed that some of the ducklings that were given to them were from farms, and others from along the canals in Dublin.
In a response, South Dublin County Council said that they have also received a number of reports of the abuse: “The Council have received a number of reports of ducks being targeted in Ballymount Park.
“Staff have been informed of this and the Park Ranger service have been notified and will carry out regular visits to the park. This matter will continue to be monitored.”
Cllr Sinclair added: “Everyone gets great pleasure out of the ducks in Ballymount Park, Tymon Park and Corkagh Park so I don’t think it is asking much that people leave them be.
“They should be left to their own devices as they are not doing any harm to us.”
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the DSPCA if they see or hear any incidences of animal abuse on 01 4994700 or through their Facebook page or website, www.dspca.ie
