THE RSPCA is carrying out a multi-agency operation at a park in Liverpool after reports of numerous sick and dying birds in the water following a suspected avian botulism outbreak.

RSPCA rescuers worked alongside Liverpool City Council on:- Monday, 10 August 2026 to remove sick and dead birds from Walton Hall Park and will monitor the situation over the coming days. Dog owners have also been warned to keep their pets away from the water.

Outbreaks of this disease can occur in hot weather and in water which has little oxygen. Birds who contract the disease are unable to use their legs or wings and they can’t fly. It also paralyses the bird’s neck muscles stopping it from holding its head. They can remain in this state for days and death is often due to respiratory failure or drowning.

RSPCA Inspector Louise Showering said:- “It is awful to deal with this as the birds are in such a state of suffering and if left they will die a lingering death or drown with this type of incident. Species involved that we know of so far are Canada geese, mallard, gulls, moorhen and little grebes. Sadly a couple of fish in the pond may have also been affected too. We dealt with 5 birds - 3 mallards, 1 gull and 1 little Grebe who were all put to sleep on humane grounds. There were around 10 dead and sadly we understand the council has dealt with many more birds. We’re also aware that another charity has recently attended to some sick swans. However, 1 gull was found at the edge of the lake, waterlogged and showed no symptoms of botulism, so it needed rescuing for a completely different reason. This gull, who was taken to a vet, is doing well and is now eating and drinking so he will be going to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for monitoring.”

The RSPCA is advising members of the public to keep dogs away from the water and not to touch sick birds.

Louise added:- “It is really important to stay clear of any birds showing signs of being unwell. In addition please keep your dogs away from the water. We’d ask anyone who sees any collapsed birds to call the RSPCA on:- 0300 1234 999 and can quote reference number:- 01874960. The public are being advised to contact the park rangers or local authority if they find dead bodies.”

The charity recently launched its Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues fundraising campaign which coincides with the charity’s busiest time as cruelty reports peak over summer.

Newly published statistics show in June, July and August last year the RSPCA received 6,322 cruelty calls to their emergency line last year which is 1 call every 10 minutes when the line is open. In comparison the charity took 3,852 calls for the same period in 2021 - showing a massive 64% increase in just 5 years.

Every summer, animal cruelty peaks. Right now, it’s at its highest level in 5 years. But cruelty isn’t the strongest force at work this summer. Love is.

Together, we can turn this season of cruelty into 1 of love, kindness and rescue. Donate to help the RSPCA continue tackling dog fighting and all animal cruelty.