Swans reunited after vicious attack

A pair of swans in Alexandra Park have been reunited after a rescue operation by rangers, the RSPCA and a local vet, following a suspected dog attack.

The male swan Brutus was reportedly attacked by a dog on August 23 resulting in 10cm of split skin, puncturing through fat muscle and rupturing an air sac exposing its insides. Council rangers caught the swan and took it to RSPCA Mallydams, where it was found to have deep abdominal injuries. It was taken to Cinque Ports Vets where surgeon David Hayman operated.

Experts and rangers expected its recuperation at Mallydams to take a long time because of the extent of injuries.

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However, Brutus made a speedy recovery and was reunited with his mate Delilah at the Swannery, Alexandra Park.

Councillor Jay Kramer, cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: "This was a great effort by the rangers, who do a brilliant job patrolling the parks, the surgeon who had not operated on a swan before and by staff at Mallydams.

"These swans are wild and have made Alexandra Park their home over the past year. Unfortunately their nest was invaded earlier in the year, so they abandoned their eggs. Everyone who uses the park has a right to be there and that includes wildlife. I hope the public will keep an eye on the swans to make sure they are enjoying a peaceful life there."

Rangers involved were Guy Loder (pictured), Nick Hennessey and Natasha West from the RSPCA.

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