Birds and fish were found dead after a lake at a business park was polluted.
RSPCA officers were called to Kins Business Park in Prescot on Friday (July 23) after somebody passing by found a number of animals dead.
Officers spoke to people nearby who said everything had been fine at the lake earlier in the week but that swans and herons have now left the lake and everything left in the water is now dying.
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Inspector Caren Goodman-James said: “When we arrived at the scene there was a nasty smell of dead and decaying fish and birds.
"We found a high number of fish belly-up on the surface with no obvious cause of death, as well as a number of dead ducks and cygnets seen floating in the water. It was very sad.”
The RSPCA removed the bodies of two ducks who had recently died from the edge of the lake and rescued one disorientated and lethargic goose who is now receiving care at RSPCA Stapeley Wildlife Centre.
Caren said: "However, there are lots of ducks, coots and gulls still at the scene and we fear they may fall ill.
“We could clearly see some sort of pollutant on the water’s surface but couldn’t tell what it is and how it’s impacting the wildlife.
“The APHA vet we spoke to doesn’t think it’s avian bird flu, botulism or issues due to oxygen levels in the water but that it’s more likely a man-made pollutant that has been added to the water. It’s really worrying to think someone may well have done this deliberately.”
The Environment Agency were made aware of the incident are are investigating further.
In the meantime the RSPCA is asking people walking around the lake not to go in the water or allow their dogs into the lake.
Caren said: We’d also like to advise caution around touching any of the animals at the lake and to contact us on 0300 1234 999 if they come across any sick or struggling birds or fish.”
Anyone with information should contact the Environment Agency helpline on 0800 80 70 60.
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