Swan Attacked at Copperhouse Creek

The graphic pictures below show just what an out of control dog can do to a bird. This Mute Swan was one of five on the SSSI at Copperhouse Creek when three Springer Spaniels were left to their own devices by their owner. Two of the dogs were called back but one remained, running around the east end of the marsh and finally catching and mauling the Swan causing these horrific injuries. The bird was later put down  by a local vet. This is the seventh Swan to be killed on the estuary in four months. The RSPB, Natural England and Police Wildlife Crimes Officers are holding a meeting next week to see what can be done to combat the Dog problems on the estuary.

Photos by P.Freestone (Cornwall Birding Images 2008)