Swan mauled by dog

From the The Argus, first published Wednesday 28th Feb 2007.

A swan was mauled by a dog at Hove Lagoon.

Volunteers at East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) were called out yesterday morning (Weds) to rescue the badly injured swan.

The attack is believed to be the second in as many weeks at Hove Lagoon, where swans have settled after being fed by passers-by.

The lagoon is currently partially drained for maintenance and the water level was low enough for the dog to jump in and chase the swan.

The dog, a red setter, was grabbed from the water by a woman. The swan has a severe injury to its breast and has been taken to a sanctuary in Chertsey, Surrey, for treatment, where experts rate its chances of survival at 50-50.

WRAS rescue co-ordinator Trevor Weeks said: "Swans have been visiting Hove Lagoon for years but never stayed permanently until a few years ago. The site is not the best for swans and this dog attack adds to the case.

"Although it is very educational for people to take their children down and feed the swans, it does encourage them to stay and puts them at risk."

Anyone with information on the incident should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.

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