Swan 'lucky to be alive' after attack in its nest, Yorkshire RSPCA officers say

The female bird was left with a severe wound to its neck and was found bleeding by the River Rother in Sheffield on Thursday, the RSPCA said.

Officers described the swan as being “lucky to survive” and reminded dog owners to keep their animals on leads while out on their daily exercise allowance.

The swan was taken to a local veterinary surgery after it was attacked in the Woodhouse Mill area. It comes after the same rescue teams helped another swan who had been injured by a dog while sitting on a nest at Frecheville Pond, Sheffield, on Thursday, April, 2.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Lynsey Harris said: “We ask that dog-owners be aware that there may be wild animals present in the area when walking their dog and to keep their dog under control at all times.

"The swan had been sat on a nest and is part of a mating pair who live on the river. She was rescued by our team and officers from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue before being examined by Peak Vets.

“Two puncture wounds were found, which were cleaned before antibiotics were given and she was released back on the water.

“This swan was very lucky to survive - sadly we are called to cases when swans have been killed in dog attacks.”

Dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to keep their dog under control in a public place.

Swans, their nests and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.