Frog horror for nature lovers (From Stroud News and Journal)

Frog horror for nature lovers

NATURE lover Daisy Bennett was horrified to discover four frogs had died after becoming trapped in her pond pump.

Each year Mrs Bennett, 75, and her husband Lewis, 77, enjoy watching the wildlife attracted by the pond as spring arrives in the garden of their Whiteshill home.

Last summer, the couple installed the £1,000 pump and filter to reduce maintenance work, which has become increasingly difficult since Mr Bennett had a stroke and a leg amputated.

But neither expected the expensive piece of equipment to harm rather than help their pond-life.

The frogs' legs became trapped in small holes in the pump's outer casing and the high-powered suction meant they could not escape.

"It was absolutely shocking," said Mrs Bennett.

"Four were dead and two more were still alive with their feet trapped and they were just looking up and waving their feet as if asking to be saved."

The RSPCA was called but the two living frogs were so badly injured they had to be put down.

Now she is warning other gardeners to take measures to prevent a similar incident.

Frogs are currently looking for areas to spawn and may be attracted to garden ponds.