The RSPCA has warned pet owners to keep their dogs on leads after a juvenile swan was killed in a Newcastle Park.
The cygnet was recovered near the pond close to Wylam Brewery in Newcastle's Exhibition Park by an animal volunteer on the evening of September 21 after being spotted in a distressed state. The bird had suffered puncture wounds to her wings and shoulder, consistent with a dog attack.
On being taken to a vets, it was decided that the kindest thing to do was put her to sleep to end her suffering. The attack may have taken place after the cygnet and her mother were left stranded and vulnerable when they were chased off the water course.
