The DSPCA is calling on dog owners to make sure that their pets are under control, after a female swan recently suffered "horrendous" injuries in a dog attack on the Royal Canal.
The poor swan was gravely injured on Friday 22 April when a dog off lead attacked her as she defended her nest of eight eggs nearby.
Volunteers from the DSPCA were called out to the scene near Bernard Shaw's pub to help the stricken swan, but her injuries were too great and she sadly had to be put to sleep.
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Gillian Bird from the DSPCA told Dublin Live that the female swan was attacked by a dog not on a lead.
She said: "It was an irresponsible dog walker and their dog was not on a lead, it attacked the female swan and her eight eggs died as well. She female swan suffered horrendous injuries, her wing was ripped off and our vets sadly had to put her to sleep.
"Swans mate for life and now there is a male swan who will have to wait until next year probably to find a mate."
Dog walkers are being asked to keep their pets on a lead when going out walking in parks and other outdoor areas.
Gillian said: "For members of the public we are asking you to please keep your dog under control. Dogs love chasing things and they can spook easily, even the best dog in the world can attack a wild animal like a swan.
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"Last week it was a goose attacked in Tymon Park as well."
Gillian said that during this time of year there are a lot of baby animals around, and that dog walkers should remember that the parks are for everyone to enjoy.
Gillian also warned dog owners against using long, stretchy leads when out walking.
She said: "Dog walkers need to remember that long, stretchy leads are not so good, the dogs can pull away and it's harder to reel them in.
"The law says that dog owners must have their dogs under effective control, and these long leads can trip up a jogger or get tangled in a bike as well."
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