DOG owners have again been urged to keep their pets under control after a swan died following an attack in Stratford.
The cygnet was attacked in the recreation ground after a dog chased a group of around ten swans.
It caught hold of its wing before the bird managed to tear itself free and escape into the river – but it died a few days later.
Swan rescuer Cyril Bennis was called by a witness who was ‘shocked’ at what he had seen.
The former mayor said: “Unfortunately people spend more time on their mobiles than looking after their dog.
“We’ve had lots of reports of this happening and people need to be more respectful to our wildlife. It’s a natural area and it’s their environment.
“It was horrific and difficult to to try and get the swan out of the river but the injury was bad and it died three days later.
“There are also expenses along with rescuing swans and then trying to ensure a quality of life for the ones which survive.
“It’s sad and unnecessary and could be avoided.”
This is the second swan known to have been killed by a dog in the past six months.
Mr Bennis has been urging residents to keep their dogs on a lead when near wild animals.
