Another swan killed in dog attack at Coventry's Wyken Slough

[dutchman]

Another swan in Coventry has died after a vicious dog attack.

RSPCA officers were called to the Wyken Slough Nature Reserve in Alderman’s Green after reports of a swan collapsing due to bleeding from a nasty wound in its tail area.

It had horrific injuries which officers believed had happened some days previously and were consistent with being mauled by a dog. The swan was immediately put to sleep to stop further suffering.

It follows another incident earlier this month when a swan was killed by a dog in Swanswell Park, Hillfields.

Simon Dix, from the RSPCA, said he was dismayed another swan had lost its life because of an ‘irresponsible’ dog owner.

He said: “I am not only upset by this incident but also angry as this is the second otherwise healthy swan I have had to euthanise in Coventry within a month due to a dog attack.

“The pain and suffering both birds endured was atrocious and this simply should not be happening.

“After the last incident we issued an appeal to the media to urge people to keep their dogs on a lead near wildlife.

“It would appear that our pleas have fallen on deaf ears and for me to witness the extreme suffering of another swan so soon after the last incident is hard to bear.

“Dog owners legally must have charge and control of their animals in a public place. If they do not and their pet attacks wildlife then they face prosecution as wild animals are protected by law.

“When this swan was attacked I find it extremely unlikely the dog owner was not aware of what happened so for them to then walk away and leave the swan injured and in pain is appalling behaviour.”

The nature reserve off Alderman’s Green Road is part of the Sowe Valley Walk and made up of marshes, floodland and reedbeds, making it an ideal habitat for birds.

Mr Dix said he had now contacted Coventry City Council to ask for signs to be placed around walking routes to warn dog walkers of their legal responsibility to keep dogs on a lead in a public place.

He urged anyone who witnesses similar attacks on wildlife or any other incidents to call the RSPCA hotline on 0300 123 8018.