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Swan Fatally Injured in Suspected Dog Attack
19 Apr
Summary
- A swan died after suffering severe injuries, suspected to be from a dog attack.
- The incident occurred at Barton Country Park in Bradford-on-Avon.
- The loss has deeply affected the surviving mate and the local community.
A male swan has been euthanized following a suspected dog attack beside a canal path in Barton Country Park, Bradford-on-Avon. The bird was found severely injured on Friday morning. Witness reports and the nature of the injuries strongly suggest a dog was responsible, according to Bath Swan Rescue.
The tragic incident has had a profound impact, with the surviving female swan believed to have abandoned their nest. Local community members are reportedly heartbroken by the loss. Signs had previously been placed by the Canal and River Trust urging dog walkers to keep their pets on leads near the nesting site.
Volunteer rescuers frequently witness dogs chasing or attacking swans. They emphasize that such preventable incidents cause significant distress. Multiple veterinary professionals reviewed the swan's injuries, deeming euthanasia the only ethical course of action. This event serves as a stark reminder during nesting and lambing season that dogs, regardless of training, can pose a danger to ground-nesting birds and livestock.
