East Lothian residents have hit out at dog owners across the community after a group of baby swans, known as cygnets, have been removed by the SSPCA due to domestic animal attacks.
52-year-old Karen Turnbull, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, spoke to Edinburgh Live today about the sadness among the community when they were notified of the removal.
Posting on her own Facebook page, Karen wrote: "Had to say a sad farewell to the Cygnets on Levenhall pond today after having to call the SSPCA to come and move them somewhere safe after I witnessed one being attacked by a dog!"
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"The owner could not get control of his Springer Spaniel and the cygnets were not quite prepared to fend for themselves yet as they literally only yesterday, had been "kicked out" by the parents.
"The adult cob would not let them come onto the pond, hence why they were on the embankment and they are not experienced enough to take off from the land...strong winds were not helping the situation either.
"So I would like to take this opportunity to ask dog owners to be mindful of the local wildlife as watching a young bird that I've fed and got to know over the last sic months, being senselessly attacked has angered me...but mostly upset me.
"Thankfully he didn't appear to have any external injuries and hopefully he and his sister will thrive in their new home.
"Thanks to Lesley for making the call and the woman from the SSPCA for her quick response.
"I will miss you Squeaky McGrumblewings and Thievzy McPickpocketbeak!"
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Karen said: "Sadly its a common occurrence down there, the adult male has been attacked several times during the summer while he was protecting his family.
"The locals know that there are swans on the pond, there has been for years yet they still let un manageable dogs off lead by their droves.
"There are three of us who regularly feed and check the swans, the two other ladies have been doing it far longer than me as I only moved into the area six months ago.
"Its quite common that two of us turn up at the same time which luckily happened yesterday as I was in such a state after seeing my little friend being attacked.
"I am disabled so unfortunately by the time it took me to get over to him, the dog and its owners were over the other side of the field and I didn't think at the time to video the whole thing because all I could here was the cygnet "screaming" in distress.
"I was shouting at the man to get control of his dog, which he did try to but was unable to. It was an elderly couple and the attack was happening up a bit of a steep incline, so the man was struggling to get up there to the dog.
"The whole thing must of lasted about 3-4 mins until he eventually got hold of the dog...then put it on a lead!"
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Karen then got in touch with the SSPCA, who saw no other choice but to remove the cygnets and take them into their care.
Karen added: "I must also add that the SSPCA lady was very reluctant to take both cygnets at first as she "didn't want to interfere with nature" and it was only by the insistence of my other swan lady Lesley, that she decided to take them.
"Where the cygnets were sitting was literally on the main path used by dog walkers and walkers alike.
"They were both exhausted and hungry as their dad would not let them back onto the water at all, the one that was attacked by the dog made its way down to the water and was promptly attacked again... by its dad!
"I know the swans really well and they know me and I hand feed all of them and can actually pet both cygnets fairly easily but at this point he was so tired and scared that I was easily able to touch him to check him over for injuries.
"Even the SSPCA lady didn't have much bother capturing both of them as they just didn't have the energy to run away.
"I knew for certain if they were left to get on with it on their own that something really bad would of happened.
"The attacked cygnet couldn't fight against a small Springer Spaniel...how would it of coped with a German Shepherd...I dread to think!
As sad as yesterday was I'm glad that at least they will stand a better chance where they have been moved to.
"Unfortunately though, the whole cycle will start again when this years batch of cygnets arrive, hopefully under the watchful eye of all of us who help protect them a little, this years babies will also make it into adulthood."
Senior Animal Rescue Officer, Melissa Maitland, said, “On Thursday 24 February, we attended a report of cygnets being bothered by a dog.
"Thankfully the cygnets were not injured and both were relocated to the River Esk, Musselburgh as their parents were chasing them off the water and it wasn't safe to leave them due to risk from dogs in the area.
"We strongly urge dog owners to keep their dog under control at all times and on a lead whenever they are near livestock or wildlife.
If anyone comes across wildlife which is injured or abandoned, the Scottish SPCA’s advice is not to attempt to move or touch it and call the charity’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
