Swans, Dogs, Children AIBU/what would you have done?

[jcsp]

We were sitting quietly watching ducks and a couple of swans from our van on the shores of Esthwaite water this afternoon.

We heard a commotion as saw a dog going for the swans and the swan responding aggressively - as swans do. The dog was with a large family group - 6 adults, 8? children (4-13ish) 2 dogs (one on a lead the other not)

Children then started shouting at the swans.

This repeated itself once or twice and we then noticed the children throwing stones at the swans.

I decided that shouting at the children and/oradults would probably make matters worse. I went and stood between the assorted family members and the swans. This could have been described as a passive aggressive manner.

As family moved down the shoreline the swans did (possibly hoping for bread not grief) I did too, well in the group's personal space.

Eventually they went. Peace and tranquility reigned again.

Was I unreasonable to have done this. My wife said some looked a bit oddly at me. I can live with that. She explained to one child that the swans were frightened and so therefore aggressive. The parents did nothing.

So what would you have done?

Thanks

PS
If you were one of the 6 adults - please could you...
A. Bring your children up properly to respect wildlife.
B. Realise that this wasn't a risk free activity for children, dogs or swans alike.

I'm with you, if someone was being cruel to a living thing - I would always stick my ermmm beak in. You did the right thing!

Good on you OP

Of course it was the right thing. I'd have shouted at them, personally, but that would have definitely been the wrong thing.

Definitely did the right thing, extra points for not starting an argument with the adults over it too (must have been very hard!), well done!

YANBU

A lot of people are sadly v ignorant about the land, the country and wild(ish) animals.

I have spoken to a child about chasing ducks. Bastard parents did nothing. I just don't understand people.

YWNBU.

YANBU. I would have shouted at them though, as I have done previously when children were throwing stones at ducks.

I'd probably have stood and very obviously filmed them and if asked told them I was reporting them to (whoever you report swan harassment to?)

I am a dog owner. I wouldn't have my dog off lead by swans.
If I hadn't spotted them I would get my dog back as quickly as possible and retreat to avoid upsetting the swans further. (Assuming no injury to swans. In which case I would seek veterinary help.)
My kids would NEVER be allowed to torment any animal.

I too think you acted well and certainly braver than I would have been. I don't think I would want to be anywhere near angry swans.

YANBU. Different situation but I had to button my lip in pets at home today. It's not ok to bang on the enclosures and don't feed the animals crisps. And breathe!

YANBU. I think you were remarkably retrained actually as, depending on my mood, I would either have screamed like a banshee shouted at them and stormed over (I'm afraid I see red mist when animals are treated like this) or spoken to them about how wrong it is for children and dogs to be harrassing wildlife. Wankers.

I think you did great. Quiet and calm! I went over to tell three older teenagers to stop throwing pebbles at sea gulls. They were really lobbing them and I just thought bastards. I got to the edge of the sea wall, started to say they had to quit it when I looked down and twenty or so of their friends looked back up at me. I hadn't seen the great big gang of kids with tins and bottles. They did stop but walking back the way I'd rushed was awkward! If I'd have seen the number of them I'd have thought more carefully about saying stop.

I think you done good

Well done to you . Cannot stand cruelty to animals ... Horrible some people are .

You did the right thing, OP. I would have done the same - or something more confrontational! 😁

You did the right thing. Some people are just ignorant and foolish. Wildlife area, their habitat, we we the visitors. Visitors should not throw stones! I think swans are especially protected but all wildlife is special.