The RSPCA has warned pet owners to keep their dogs on leads after a juvenile swan was killed in a Newcastle Park.
The cygnet was recovered near the pond close to Wylam Brewery in Newcastle's Exhibition Park by an animal volunteer on the evening of September 21 after being spotted in a distressed state. The bird had suffered puncture wounds to her wings and shoulder, consistent with a dog attack.
On being taken to a vets, it was decided that the kindest thing to do was put her to sleep to end her suffering. The attack may have taken place after the cygnet and her mother were left stranded and vulnerable when they were chased off the water course.
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Rachael Hurst, RSPCA inspector, said: "Looking at the wounds the swan suffered it does look like she’s been grabbed by the jaws of a dog. It’s a nasty attack, which demonstrates the need for owners to have their dogs on leads when they are out walking in parkland and at wildlife beauty spots. The cygnet was picked up by a volunteer from Paws for Thought, who took it to the charity’s wildlife centre in Sunderland.
"When they realised how badly injured she was they took her to an out of hours vet, but sadly there was nothing that could be done for her. Fortunately, the mother was not hurt and she is being cared for at the centre and will be released back into the wild at a later date."
The attack took place around 6.30pm on September 21 near the Wylam Brewery in Exhibition Park on Claremont Road.
The inspector added: "We’d like anyone who knows anything about this attack to ring the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018. We have also asked for CCTV footage, but it was going dark at the time and it might be that someone will have seen a clearer view of what happened.
"It is very sad as the mother swan and her cygnet had only appeared at the pond recently."
Dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to keep their dogs under control in a public place. Swans, their nests, and eggs are also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
For more information about responsible dog walking in the outdoors, visit the RSPCA’s website.
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