New mate for Tilesheds Pond's Muscovy duck after partner dies following dog attack

A female duck which was left alone after her partner was attacked by a dog has found a new mate thanks to a generous member of the public.
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Despite the RSPCA recovering the duck and taking it to a local vet, its injuries were too severe to save it.

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The pair of ducks had made the pond their home for a number of years and were well-known to local residents who described being “saddened” by the “heartbreaking” loss of the male.

The female Muscovy duck is introduced to her new mate at Tilesheds Pond. Photo credit: Ashleigh FergusonThe female Muscovy duck is introduced to her new mate at Tilesheds Pond. Photo credit: Ashleigh Ferguson
The female Muscovy duck is introduced to her new mate at Tilesheds Pond. Photo credit: Ashleigh Ferguson

Ashleigh Ferguson, who lives near Tilesheds pond had been checking on the female over the weekend.

And thanks to the generosity of one member of the public she has some company on the water again.

Gary Wood - who lives in Stanley, County Durham but runs an allotment nearby in South Tyneside - saw Ashleigh’s Facebook posts and set about finding the lonely female a new mate.

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“I know ducks are sociable creatures and Muscovy’s aren’t native to Britain so the chances of her finding another mate were pretty slim,” said the 38-year-old.

The two Muscovy ducks have already mated.  Photo credit: Ashleigh FergusonThe two Muscovy ducks have already mated.  Photo credit: Ashleigh Ferguson
The two Muscovy ducks have already mated. Photo credit: Ashleigh Ferguson

“I thought I can’t have her sitting there on her own.

“My neighbour at the allotment keeps Muscovy ducks and it just so happens he had a breed at the same time.”

Gary went ahead and purchased the duck and he and Ashleigh introduced the pair on Sunday, June 7.

“They are both are currently in hiding,” he continued.

The new male Muscovy was bought by Gary Woo from his neighbouring allotment.The new male Muscovy was bought by Gary Woo from his neighbouring allotment.
The new male Muscovy was bought by Gary Woo from his neighbouring allotment.

“It must be a shock to the system for him to go from an allotment to what must be a duck’s paradise.

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“But they have already mated – apparently that was the first thing they did.”

The RSPCA inspector said she was concerned to hear reports the dog may have been intentionally set on the duck and encouraged anyone with information that could help an investigation to contact her on 0300 123 8018.

Northumbria Police are also making inquiries into the incident.

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