Reward offered after Littlehampon swan is brutally mauled

A REWARD has been offered following a brutal dog attack which left a swan in Littlehampton dead, police have said today (Wednesday, June 13).

The swan is reported to have been mauled by a Staffordshire bull terrier at Brookfield Park, off Worthing Road, on Saturday morning (June 9), at about 8am.

Wildlife crime officer and PCSO Andy Orpin was one of the first on the scene and discovered the injured swan with serious wounds to its neck and face.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The dog involved in the incident has been described as a Staffordshire bull terrier with a white chest and brindled coloured coat. It was seen to be standing by a fence, barking at the swans, before it leapt over the fence and started the attack.

The RSPCA and WADARS (Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service) were called to the scene and managed to capture the maimed swan. Sadly, its injuries were so serious it had to be put to sleep.

Nearby residents and dog walkers to the park would be very familiar with the swans; they have recently hatched six cygnets and have inhabited the pond for the last 10 years.

PCSO Orpin, who is based at Littlehampton, said: “This really highlights the consequences of dog owners not maintaining control of their pets when using the park. Owners have a legal responsibility to do this, and failure to control a dog is a criminal offence.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This is a very sad incident which has upset a lot of local people in the community and left a family of swans without the protection its cob. If the people involved in this incident are located, we will consider prosecution.”

The owner of the dog is described as a white female, in her early 30s, of medium build, with long blonde hair, wearing a pink t-shirt and blue jeans. She attempted to get the dog to come out of the fenced area to prevent the attack but was unable to do so.

WADARS have offered a £500 reward to anyone who comes forward with information that leads to a successful prosecution. Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact WADARS on 0300 3030999, the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 or the police on 101, quoting reference 302 of 9 June.

Related topics: