DOG owners have been urged to keep their pets under control after swans and geese were attacked around Arrow Valley Lake.
On Tuesday, June 18 staff at the visitor centre reported seeing birds being attacked by a dog.
This latest attack comes after two greylag goslings were savaged in the park on Sunday, June 16.
The control plea comes from Redditch-based John Stewart of Wychbold Swan Rescue Centre, who condemned the callousness of the owner in Sunday’s incident.
“When challenged by an eyewitness over the injuries their dogs had done in the attack the owner said they would take the goslings to the vet but instead she was spotted leaving them under a bush,” he said.
“We were called but by the time we got there both birds had died. I’m appalled by the actions of the dog owner, first for failing to keep her pets under control and then promising something they had no intention of doing.
“It’s the first time in a while that greylag geese have chosen to have their goslings at Arrow Valley Lake and at this rate they won’t be back.”
He added that last week a another gosling was chased by a dog and ended up caught in fishing nets.
On Saturday afternoon, June 15, many people saw a dog swimming in the lake chasing after a swan.
“I’m stunned at what has been happening,” said Mr Stewart.
“You have all this huge area away from the lake where people can take their dogs for a walk across the fields, but instead they are endangering wildlife.
“Another issue here is that this latest attack happened right by the children’s play area next time it might be a child they go for.”
Wychbold Swan Rescue Centre, which is entirely self funding, can be contacted at 07867 672758.
