RSPCA warning after dog attacks swan
THE RSPCA has issued a warning after two parenting swans had to be put to sleep, leaving their five cygnets orphaned.
The cygnets have been left orphaned after their father was attacked by a dog and their mother was injured by a fishing hook.
The cygnets, who are too young to look after themselves, are now being looked after in the care of the Animal Welfare Charity.
The family of swans lived on the Ashby Canal, in a beauty spot between Conkers Vistors Centre and Shortheath Road in Moira, and were said to be popular with visitors to the area.
However, Neil Astle, an RSPCA Animal Collection Officer (ACO), said the family has now been “decimated” by “irresponsible behaviour” and this was just one of a number of incidents of this kind he has had to attend, within days of each other.
The RSPCA received reports of the first incident stating that the male swan had been attacked by a dog.
When he arrived, Neil found the male suffering with a gaping hole in his back which could not be saved, leaving no other option than to be put to sleep.
Two weeks later, on Wednesday July 4, he returned to the same scene after the RSPCA were told that the swan’s female mate appeared to be struggling to move.
Upon arrival he could see an injury from a barbed fishing hook which had caused damage to her tendon and it had become badly infected.
Sadly, after being taken to Stapeley Grange Wildfire Centre, her condition deteriorated and to end her suffering, she too was put to sleep.
The cygnets were taken with their mother and now remain at the centre.
ACO Astle said: “It is awful that this family of swans has been decimated by the careless actions and irresponsible behaviour of a few.
“It was terribly sad when I went to attend the male swan as he was clearly suffering and could not be saved so a decision was made to put him to sleep. As I took him away the female was calling to him, it was awful and because she was distressed so were the cygnets.
“This terrible incident could have been avoided had the dog-owner been responsible and kept their pet on a lead. Then the female had to be put to sleep after getting an infection from a barbed fishing hook which shouldn’t be used as they are designed to rip the flesh.
“This too could have been so easily avoided if someone had disposed of their fishing hook correctly in the first place.
“This has left five cygnets orphaned which is so sad but these kind of tragic incidents appear to keep happening.”
The animal welfare charity hopes to relaease all rescued birds back to their habitats once they are strong enough.
It is also useful to remember that dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to keep their dog under control in a public place.