Swan rescuers urge dog owners to use leads after sick swan attacked

The director of a Bray-based swan rescue charity has called for dog owners to keep them on leads in wildlife-rich areas in the wake of bird flu after a sick swan was attacked by a dog.

Since the arrival of suspected bird flu locally, Swan Support ‘has received a high number of calls’ reporting dead birds, showing ‘how much the public cares about wildlife.’

“Sadly, we have some very upsetting news,” Swan Support wrote on its Facebook page this week. “One swan was not only suffering from bird flu but was also attacked by a dog while out of the water. 

“At the time, the swan’s eyes were likely closed due to the effects of the illness, leaving it extremely vulnerable.

“We also witnessed a dog off the lead chasing swans in Windsor. This is completely unacceptable and puts already sick and weakened wildlife at serious risk.

“We strongly urge all dog owners to act responsibly and keep dogs on a lead when around wildlife. 

“This is essential to protect animals, prevent further suffering, and help us manage the spread of the virus.”

Speaking to the Express, Wendy Hermon, operations director for Swan Support, recounted how the dog spotted by the team was left to chase and bark at swans unchallenged by its owner.

“We had to shout at [the owner] to put his dog on a lead,” she said.

“You might think that a responsible dog owner would notice if their dog has a tendency to chase the swans and would discourage it.”

Although Wendy thinks dog-walkers should be extra mindful during this time of suspected bird flu, she also believes dogs should be kept on leads in wildlife-heavy areas anyway.

“Swan are all over the place in Windsor – I think that’s the worst place to walk with the dog off the lead,” she said.

Even if a dog doesn’t harm wildlife, the stress is too much for swans, especially in their weakened state, said Wendy.

“People will say, ‘Oh, my dog would never do anything [to the swans],’ but the swans don’t know that. “They’re sick, they’re vulnerable and now they’re being chased by a dog.

“My dog has been around swans from a pup – but if he was off the lead and saw swans running [around], I can guarantee that even he will chase them.”

Asked how the community is responding to the news of the dog attack, Wendy said: “I think responsible people are disgusted. The whole incident could have been avoided.”

On a more positive note, Wendy said the public have been ‘amazing’ in financially supporting the charity during this difficult period for the swans.

“People have been really kind [with their donations] – we’ve been really overwhelmed with the support we’ve received during the last week,” Wendy said. 

At the moment, she said the charity most needs personal protective equipment (PPE) – suits, masks, and gloves.

Every time the team picks up a bird in a different location, each member has to change all of their PPE to stop the spread of disease from one area to others.

Wendy said: “It would be nice if people could continue to donate because everything we do is voluntary. None of us are paid staff.”