RSPCA staff have made a plea to dog owners in Nantwich to keep pets on a lead after a cygnet was attacked and killed by Nantwich lake.
This is the shocking image of the cygnet which was brought to RSPCA Stapeley Grange wildlife centre in Nantwich earlier today.
It’s not the first time that swans and other wildfowl have been attacked at the lake by dogs not under control of their owners.
In a plea on social media, RSPCA Stapeley Grange said: “Please, please, please can dog walkers take care around wildlife, especially waterfowl, and keep their dogs on leads.
“This poor cygnet was PTS on arrival today having been attacked by a dog on Nantwich lake/river. So sad.”
Reaction on social media was swift.
“Why do people persist in letting their dogs off the lead when they have little or no control over them?” said one.
“If you can’t recall or drop your dog into a down position, instantly, anytime anywhere, then it is not under full control, so stop kidding yourself and start training it!”
Nantwich Lake has signs around the area urging dog owners to keep their pets on leads and under control.
(Image courtesy of RSPCA Stapeley Grange)
Outrageous yet again year after year after year we are reading about the same stupid dog owners, I am going to photograph every single dog off a lead now, name and shame as it seems these thickos think they can live the life they want, its a park, it is not your property, go let the dog off lead in a field you can pay for or your own home. Nantwich is getting a reputation for some nasty dog owners, shame on you, you spoil it for the real dog lovers who are horrified, time for everyone to speak up when this is spotted I for sure will!!!
Utter disgrace there are no big signs to warn the stupid dog owners of their responsibilities, it makes me very angry as this continues year after year, and if you tackle the morons all you get is “Oh he wouldn’t harm them” yeh right, you sometimes don’t even know your dog you are so dumb! then there are the idiots with dogs on 50′ leads tripping everyone up
I agree with Ted 100%. Why do some dog owners believe they have psychic powers when coming across wild animals with their animals. Whilst it is too late for the poor cygnet, this must be a criminal offence with no defence. If a person was to publicly kill a swan or cygnet in a horrific way there would people falling over themselves to prosecute.
I fear this will be yet another example of hideous behaviour that will receive no action from police or council. If by any chance the pet owner is identified, name, shame and they should never again be allowed to own a dog.