A SWAN and two of her cygnets died after a dog attack in a Basildon park.

The RSPCA and Basildon Council are warning dog owners to keep their dogs under control near wildlife after a family of swans were almost wiped out in the attack in Northlands Park.

A large dog on a lead escaped from his owner – biting the mother and father swan and harming three of their cygnets.

The mother swan managed to get away from the dog, but later died from her wounds, along with two of the cygnets.

RSPCA inspector Marie Hammerton said: “I feel so sad about the death of these swans.

“This mating pair have lived in the park for years and are much loved by people in the area. Now their family has been almost wiped out because of this one attack.

“The female had four deep puncture wounds under her wing.

She didn’t stand a chance. We did all we possibly could to catch and treat her earlier, but swans are notoriously hard to catch and she was a protective mother.”

The male swan and the remaining cygnet are being treated for bite wounds at the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett.

Mrs Hammerton said: “The male’s bite wound was also pretty nasty and deep, but he is doing well at the moment with treatment, along with his one remaining cygnet.

“I urge dog owners to remember to keep their pets under control around wildlife.

“People always think it wouldn’t happen to them and their dog wouldn’t attack wildlife in this way, but it only takes a moment for them to become loose and then tragedies can occur.”

Terri Sargent, Basildon councillor responsible for environment, added: “This is a particularly upsetting case and Basildon Council is pleased to work with the RSPCA on animal welfare. We remind dog owners that it is their responsibility to keep their dogs under control at all times, particularly in a public place.”