RSPCA stresses owners need to keep their pets on leads around wildlife   

The RSPCA has issued a warning after a female swan died after being attacked by a dog while she was protecting her newly-born cygnets.

The incident happened at Astbury Mere Country Park in Congleton on Tuesday, June 7 and was witnessed by fishermen, who came to the aid of the swan after she was dragged from her nest and bitten.

Sadly, the bird suffered two deep puncture wounds, which penetrated her chest and she died at the water's edge soon after.

The RSPCA and Cheshire Police have been informed and are appealing for information after the owner of the Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog, who was not on a lead, ran off after retrieving his pet.

RSPCA Inspector Jenny Bethel said: "This was a horrible attack on a swan, which again demonstrates the importance of having your dog on a lead when out walking in the countryside and at wildlife beauty spots.

"She was dragged out of her nest, in which were her two cygnets, which had only hatched in the last 24 hours, and three other eggs.

"Her male partner was out on the lake and when I arrived at the location I could see he was visibly stressed after seeing what happened.

The swan's body was taken to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, where a vet confirmed the 5cm wounds from one dog bite had punctured the bird's chest cavity and would have likely caused her to suffocate.

Her two cygnets (pictured) are now being cared for by staff at the wildlife centre.

"I did put the cygnets out onto the water to see if the male might come back to them, but he didn't," added Jenny. "We will release them eventually, but for now they will spend time being nurtured and cared for at Stapeley.

"It is very sad as the nest appeared well concealed at the bottom of an embankment. But the dog was roaming free and managed to get down to it. There are signs around the country park warning owners to keep their dogs on leads, so people should be well aware of the dangers presented to wildlife."

Anyone with any information about the identity of the dog owner and the circumstances should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team on 101 quoting incident number IML1287301.

The attack happened at around 8.15am at the end of the mere where the water sports centre is based. The owner is described as a 40-year-old man, around six feet tall with grey hair. His dog is a dark coloured, long-legged Staffordshire bull terrier-type.

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 their eggs are also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

For more information about responsible dog walking in the countryside, please visit the RSPCA's website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/walking

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.