Swan mauled by dog in West Bromwich park prompting warning
Dog walkers are being urged to keep their pets on leads near a pool at a West Bromwich park after a swan was killed in a shocking attack.
Signs have gone up after the bird was mauled by a dog at Dartmouth Park and owners warned they will be fined if they ignore orders to put dogs on leads.
The RSPCA was called to attend to the saw which suffered serious injuries to its wing and did not survive.
The attack has prompted council bosses to act.
Dartmouth Park, which joins onto Sandwell Valley Country Park, is hugely popular with dog walkers.
As well as extra signage, council chiefs said wardens would be carrying out extra patrols to ensure the park's wildlife is safe.
Ian Carroll, who is part of action group Swanwatch, said the bird had been part of a breeding pair in the park for 11 years.
Sandwell Council's leisure boss Councillor Richard Marshall said: “We are aware of an incident that happened at Dartmouth Park.
“Following this, we have put up signs around the pool asking dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead when in that area.
“Our wardens are also carrying out more patrols around the park and talking to dog owners to make them aware of the situation.”
“It is important for dog walkers to ensure they are responsible for their pets when they are off the lead and that they should put them on leads if instructed by wardens or be subject to fines if they do not comply.”
The RSPCA has echoed the advice of the council following the attack, which happened on Wednesday, June 7.
RSPCA Midlands spokeswoman Rachel Butler said: “It would have been very distressing for people to witness this attack, and the message here is clear - please keep your dog under control when you know you are near wildlife. Remember that a wild animal may be nearby, but not instantly obvious, so make sure you keep a watch out.
“Legally dog owners should have charge and control of their animals in a public place. We are asking dog owners to act responsibly to ensure sad incidents such as this are prevented.”
Mr Carroll said: "I am disgusted by this latest dog attack, a problem which is getting worse. There need to be more stringent dog control orders in this park and borough-wide.
Dog owners must control their pets and realise that birds graze on the grass for food."
