The director of a Bray-based swan rescue charity has called for dog owners to keep them on leads in wildlife-rich areas in the wake of bird flu after a sick swan was attacked by a dog.

Since the arrival of suspected bird flu locally, Swan Support ‘has received a high number of calls’ reporting dead birds, showing ‘how much the public cares about wildlife.’

“Sadly, we have some very upsetting news,” Swan Support wrote on its Facebook page this week. “One swan was not only suffering from bird flu but was also attacked by a dog while out of the water.

“At the time, the swan’s eyes were likely closed due to the effects of the illness, leaving it extremely vulnerable.

“We also witnessed a dog off the lead chasing swans in Windsor. This is completely unacceptable and puts already sick and weakened wildlife at serious risk.

“We strongly urge all dog owners to act responsibly and keep dogs on a lead when around wildlife.

“At the time, the swan’s eyes were likely closed due to the effects of the illness, leaving it extremely vulnerable.

“We also witnessed a dog off the lead chasing swans in Windsor. This is completely unacceptable and puts already sick and weakened wildlife at serious risk.

“We strongly urge all dog owners to act responsibly and keep dogs on a lead when around wildlife.