A baby swan has been seriously injured after being attacked by a dog off its leash at a popular beauty spot.
It is believed to have happened at Rickmansworth Aquadrome on Friday (August 28), according to Molly Claydon, site supervisor at charity Swan Lifeline.
Molly and her team took the injured cygnet in after being called by concerned parkgoers, telling the Watford Observer that the bird suffered a "very large wound" on his chest.
While he is now on the mend, it will likely be several months before the bird is able to return to the wild.
- New pre-school opening next week - here's an inside look
- Loud siren to blare in Hemel this evening - here's why
A Herts Police spokesperson said today (September 2) that the force received a "third-party report" of a dog off its lead attacking swans and cygnets at the aquadrome.
"This has been referred to our specialist rural team who are looking into the matter, which will include patrols of the area," the spokesperson added.
Police have asked any witnesses to come forward and report information online or by calling 101, quoting ISR 213 of 28 August, 2026.
Harefield resident and regular parkgoer Isabella McIntosh told the Observer that a second cygnet was attacked but only mildly injured and did not require treatment.
She claimed that this is not the first time birds have been attacked by dogs at the aquadrome and has called for a rule change requiring them to be on leads at all times in the park. Currently, it is only a requirement for dogs to be on leads in the area surrounding the café.
Share