Dogs attack swan

6:58am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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A SWAN had to be put down after being attacked by three dogs.

The attack, in Kennington Park, Aveley, on Friday afternoon, was witnessed by Mark Rider, 46, of Romford Road, Aveley, and his wife Sonja, 44.

The swan was taken to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett, where the decision was made to put it down because of an infection in its tail.

Mr Rider said: "My wife witnessed it and she was crying, texting me to come and help.

"She thinks of these swans as her pets, as they live on the lake opposite our house, so she was very distressed."

Mr Rider said the dogs were being walked by two girls, aged about 16 to 18.

He said: "I saw them in the car park when I had rescued the swan and was putting it in my car to take to the wildlife hospital. I know they live locally, as they managed to take the dogs home and come back."

Founder of the wildlife hospital, Sue Schwar, said: "This was an appalling, sustained attack on a defenceless animal.

"Dog owners should be more aware of what their pets are capable of. This could have been prevented had the owners been more in control of their dogs."