Swans are specially protected in the UK
A swan suddenly jumped onto the tracks at London’s Bishop Stortford station, causing commuters to be delayed for more than 15 minutes and disrupting services. Fortunately, the birds took flight and departed at 15-minute intervals, allowing regular train service to resume. The incident occurred on January 30th and is one of several instances in which swans have affected train services in the UK.
Swans, unlike other birds and animals, are specially protected in the UK. All domestic unmarked swans are considered property of the monarchy. Because harming or taking a swan is considered a theft against the British monarchy, both the public and the authorities are wary and refrain from using force against these “royal” birds. Additionally, harming swans is a wildlife crime.
The British Royal Family has claimed ownership of the swans since the 12th century, a measure originally taken to protect them from poachers. At the height of the monarchy, legislation restricted the ownership of swans to the wealthy, who would distinguish them by small scratches or scars on their beaks. Unmarked swans automatically became royal property. Currently, only the British monarch is allowed to eat swans, but it is worth noting that swans are no longer part of banquets and dishes. The British monarch also holds the honorary title of ‘Swan King’.
A video of a swan leisurely walking along the railway tracks at Bishop Stortford station as onlookers watch helplessly has been gaining attention on social media.
Watch the video:
Many users on the internet have criticized the UK for still following outdated laws related to the monarchy.
Commenting on the video, one user wrote, “If this were a cow blocking a road in India, it would be considered highly backwards, but in India cows are moved to another side of the road.” , the Anglicized guys will still be making a big fuss about it, but “Even when things like this happen in the UK, people are fatally silent. LOL You can’t touch SWAN so stop the train.” Please. There are no people here to preach superstition to India.”
Another user wrote, “Boss: Why were you late? Me: There was a duck standing in front of the train.”
“It’s a good ‘law’ to protect these stupid birds, because they’re a bit sensitive and stupid. Don’t approach swans anyway. They are aggressive and can cause injury. Big fan of this law,” said a third. Written by user.