Cygnet dies after violent dog attack in Worcester's St Johns

The two-month-old swan was found floating upside down in a pond in St Johns by a fisherman.

The couple who took the swan to the Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre told them the dog owner had "grabbed the swan by the neck and threw her into the water" after the attack took place.

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WOUNDED: The swan had deep puncture wounds. (Image: Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre)

Vale Wildlife said it was impossible to know exactly what had happened but the cygnet's wounds did resemble a similar attack and the dog owner had not brought the swan in.

The attack took place on Saturday evening, and by Sunday morning, the swan had died from her injuries.

"It was awful, horrific, devastating," Laura Fiander, a Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre care assistant.

The cygnet had a wound to the head. (Image: Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre)

"I was so upset in the morning to find her dead, but what she went through was horrific."

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The majority of animals who have been brought into the centre have been attacked by a cat or a dog.

Vale Wildlife said under 50% of people bring in their dog attack victims, and it is normally walkers finding the injured animal after the event.

The swan could not walk and had one leg stuck outwards. (Image: Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre)

Ms Fiander added: "We see pretty bad things daily, but to see one so young with injuries that could have been avoided.

"It is heartbreaking and shouldn't have happened.

"It is awful for everyone here to deal with things when people are responsible.

"When they come in due to obvious harm and neglect, which could have been avoided, that's more upsetting to us.

"When owners can just clip a lead on their pets - it makes the job emotionally difficult."

Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre has urged owners to keep their pets on their leads, especially when around large volumes of water and during cygnet season.

What should I do if my pet has injured a wild animal?

If your pet has attacked a swan, owners are urged to take them to their local wildlife rehabilitation centre.

If owners cannot take the injured animal, then calling the centre for advice is the next step they should take.

Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre said they are always keen to provide advice and support to people who may need it.