Dog kills swan and cygnet at Thatcham’s Nature Discovery Centre

A family of swans was attacked by a dog on Saturday, May 18.

A female swan and one of her cygnets have been killed as a result, Thatcham’s Nature Discovery Centre confirmed in a post online.

And one cygnet is still reported to be missing.

“This was a very upsetting event, and we want to thank the visitors who raised the alarm with our team,” said a spokesperson for the discovery centre.

“We would like to urge dog owners to ensure they have close control of their dogs when visiting the centre.

“The wildlife here is incredibly important, and we must take all measures to protect the different species that call the lake home, including this year's ducklings, goslings and cygnets.”

Visitors to the centre also took to online to vent their disgust.

“This is so upsetting and totally preventable,” said one.

“I’m furious about this,” said another. “It’s a nature reserve and all dogs should be in control and on leads.”

Swan Support, a non-project group, tended to the injured birds.

A spokesperson said: “We had to deploy two canoes to search for her and eventually found her hiding on an island.

“As our rescuer paddled back with her in the canoe, she and the male were calling to each other; it was heartbreaking.

“She was immediately taken back to SS HQ for treatment.”

But the swan died as a result of her injuries.

The spokesperson added: “Today could have been totally avoided.

“Instead, a family has been torn apart and at least two lives have been lost.

“We have left the remaining cygnets with the male and will monitor them closely.”