A nesting swan has died after a suspected dog attack on the canal in Bradford on Avon.
Volunteers from Bath Swan Rescue were called to the scene on the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath after a report of an injured bird at Barton Farm Country Park today (17 April).
The male mute swan had sustained severe wounds. It is believed the incident may have happened the previous day, and he had been suffering overnight.
The Canal and River Trust and Bradford on Avon Town Council had recently erected warning signs nearby, urging dog owners to keep their pets on leads while passing the nest.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Bath Swan Rescue said: “We’re deeply saddened to report that this morning we attended a male swan in Bradford on Avon who had been severely injured by a dog.
“We are heartbroken to share that his injuries were too extensive and the only kind option was euthanasia. This is a decision that our team never takes lightly.”
They added: “We are glad that we could be there with him to ease his pain in those final moments.”
Wiltshire Police has launched an investigation into the incident. A line of enquiry is understood to be that a dog attacked the bird.
A spokesperson said: “We have received a report that a severely injured swan was found on the towpath at Barton Country Park in Bradford on Avon at around 9am this morning (17/04).
“Sadly, despite the best efforts of Bath Swan Rescue, it had to be euthanised due to the extent of its injuries.
“It is currently unclear how the swan received the injuries but a trail of feathers along the towpath and signs of a struggle indicate it was a sustained attack.
“The swan was nesting at the time and two of its eggs which it was believed to be incubating are thought to be missing from the nest.
“If you witnessed anything from yesterday evening (16/04) through to this morning within the Country Park then please contact us on 101 quoting reference 54260045606.
“While it is unconfirmed the injuries were from a dog, please take this as a timely reminder that it is nesting and lambing season, and however well trained your dog is, it can be a danger to ground nesting birds and livestock.
“Please pay attention to any signs and if you suspect there are ground nesting birds or livestock nearby, keep your dog on a lead.”
