Swans enjoy special protected status in the UK

Commuters at London’s Bishop Stortford station experienced delays of more than 15 minutes after a swan unexpectedly jumped onto the tracks, disrupting services. Fortunately, the bird took off and left after a 15-minute interval, allowing the train to resume normal operations. The incident, which took place on January 30, is one of a number of incidents affecting UK train services.

Unlike other birds or animals, swans enjoy special protected status in the UK. All unmarked swans in the country are considered property of the monarchy. Injuring or removing swans is seen as an act of theft against the British monarchy, leading both the public and authorities to be wary of using force against these “royal” birds. In addition, causing harm to a swan constitutes a wildlife-related offence.

The British Crown has claimed ownership of the swans since the 12th century, initially to protect them from poachers. At the height of the monarchy, a decree limited swan ownership to the wealthy, who distinguished their swans by small marks or notches on their beaks. Any unmarked swan automatically becomes the property of the Crown. Currently, only the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom is allowed to eat swans, but it is worth noting that swans are no longer part of banquets or culinary offerings. The British monarch also holds the honorary title of “Swan Lord”.

A video capturing swans strolling leisurely along the tracks at Bishop Stortford station while onlookers watch helplessly has attracted attention on social media.

Watch the video:

Many users on the internet have criticized the UK for still adhering to outdated laws related to the monarchy.

Commenting on the video, one user wrote: “If it were a cow in India blocking the road it would be considered highly backward, even though the cow in India was moved to the other side of the road these anglicized guys would still Yell about it but they maintain absolute silence when something like this happens in the UK. Haha, stop your train because swans cannot be touched. Those who taught superstition to India are absent here.”

Another user wrote: “Boss: why are you late? Me: a duck standing in front of my train.”

“This is a good ‘law’ to protect these stupid birds because they are a bit fragile and stupid. You should not go near swans no matter what, they are aggressive and may hurt you. This law Big fan of it,” a third user wrote.