A SWAN suffered a gaping, maggot-infested wound after being attacked by a dog.

The injured animal was picked up by river wardens and taken to Wychbold Swan Rescue after it was discovered curled up on a bank opposite Worcester Cathedral on Monday.

The female swan had a gaping, "fist-sized hole" in its left leg.

It is now recovering at Wychbold Swan Rescue, Walk Mills Farm, near Droiwtich. The wound has been cleaned and dressed and the swan given anti-biotics.

Jan Harrigan, founder of the rescue centre which is based at her home, blamed irresponsible dog owners and rising river levels which forced swans to take refuge on the banks to escape the faster currents.

She added: "The dog had taken a great big chunk out of the leg and the wound was heaving with maggots but the swan is still alive. This is not good enough. We're seeing an increase in dog predation. We might have five or six swans a year bitten. We even get people throwing sticks to encourage swans to the banks so their dogs can attack them. I love dogs but they need to be kept under control."

Mrs Harrigan is concerned the injury will lead to tendon and nerve damage to the leg, not to mention the psychological damage caused by the attack.

The flood water has had a devastating effect on the swan population and the centre now has around 120, well above average for the time of the year with more arrivals expected.

Mrs Harrigan added: "The waters are just washing them away. There will be many losses. I doubt there will be many baby swans this year."

Whole families of swans have been taken into the rescue centre, including one from Gheluvelt Park in Barbourne, Worcester.

Wychbold Swan Rescue is a registered charity for the care and treatment of sick and injured swans and water birds.

If you see a swan in distress phone 01527 861112 or emergency mobile numbers 07786434793 or 07867672758 at any time.