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RSPCA appeal after swan killed in ‘horrifying’ dog attack in country park
The dog is said to have been a ‘Staffordshire Bull Terrier type’ and was reportedly off the lead
The RSPCA have appealed for information after a swan was killed in a ‘horrifying’ dog attack in Cheshire country park.
The swan was dragged away from her nest by an unleashed ‘Staffordshire bull terrier-type’ dog as she attempted to protect her newly-born cygnets.
The bird suffered two deep puncture wounds to her chest and, despite the best efforts of two local fishermen, sadly died at the water’s edge soon after.
The swan’s two cygnets are now being cared for by staff at Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre.
RSPCA
The owner of the dog allegedly retrieved the animal and fled the scene.
The RSPCA and Cheshire Police are now appealing for more information on the incident, which took place at Astbury Mere Country Park in Congleton on Tuesday (June 7th) at around 8.15am near to the water sports centre.
The dog’s owner is described as a forty-year-old man, around six feet tall with grey hair. His dog is a dark coloured, long-legged Staffordshire bull terrier-type.
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.
RSPCA
“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.”
Anyone with any information about the identity of the dog owner and the incident should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team on 101 quoting incident number IML1287301.