Swan killed after being attacked by dog in Newbury

RSPCA call it a 'very sad incident that could have been avoided'

A SWAN died after being attacked by a dog on the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath in Newbury.

One lady, who witnessed the incident last week and called the RSPCA, posted on Facebook: “To the man in the red jumper who owns two dogs, one of which I’ve just seen attack a swan in Victoria Park (by the bridge at 8am) – you are a disgraceful human being.

“You saw what your dog had done and just casually walked off in the opposite direction – leaving the bird fighting for its life. The bird died while I was on the phone to the RSPCA. If you can’t control your dog, don’t have one, it’s as simple as that.

“Thank you to the lovely people that also stopped – and the lady that gave her scarf up to lay over the swan.”

Jason Edwards, who stopped to help, said: “When my wife and I arrived, at about 8am, we saw a swan collapsed on the floor and a lady was on the phone to the RSPCA. It looked like its neck had been broken. The lady was saying that a dog had attacked it.

“My wife took her scarf off and covered the swan up.

“I’m an animal lover and it was incredibly sad to see such a beautiful bird killed when it could have been avoided.

“Hopefully people will see this and be more aware of what their dogs are doing.”

A spokesperson for the RSPCA, Laura Quinn, confirmed that the organisation had received a call and that the swan had died.

She added: “Incidents like this are obviously very sad and can so easily be avoided.

“Dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act to have charge and control of their animals in a public place and we would strongly urge dog owners to keep an eye out for swans and other wildlife whilst out on walks and, where possible, to always keep their dog on a lead.”

Details of the incident sparked a big response when posted on social media, with more than 30 people commenting on Facebook.

On of them, Mandy Clark, said: “Disgraceful. So sad.”

Monique Amor added: “It was really sad seeing that swan yesterday – even sadder to know how it died.”