The distressed pensioner, who asked not to be identified, contacted the Mail in tears after witnessing what she described as an ‘horrific’ attack on the bird.
She said she was walking along the river near Waterside Road in Stapenhill on Thursday afternoon when she saw the dogs viciously biting the swan.
“I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” she said.
“Other members of the public were shouting at the dogs’ owner to get them under control, but she just stood there not doing anything.
“A young lad managed to kick one of the dogs off the swan and the poor bird was left lying helplessly on the floor not moving. Its leg was hanging down, feathers had been ripped out and it was bleeding heavily. It was in a bad way.
“I don’t know how on earth I managed to do it, but I picked the bird up and carried it to Burton Wildlife and Animal Rescue Centre in Lincoln Road, which is quite far away carrying something as heavy as that — and especially at my age.”
The Stapenhill pensioner, who is a dog owner herself, said she wanted to raise awareness about keeping dogs on leads around swans.
“It’s always big dogs that get the bad press for being vicious, but these were small dogs which attacked this poor bird. It just goes to show, any type of dog can be dangerous and can get out of control.
“Dog owners should keep them on a lead and not let them near swans. An attack like that is disturbing for anyone to see. It’s really upset me and shaken me up.”
Lindsay Newell, founder of Burton Wildlife and Animal Rescue Centre, said the swan had sustained serious injuries but she was hopeful it would recover.
“It has puncture marks, feathers on a wing have been ripped out, and it has a substantial leg injury which has left it unable to walk at the moment. It is also badly bruised and shaken up.
“We have treated the bird and we’ll be caring for it until it is fit enough to be released.
“I’d like to praise the old lady who brought the swan to safety as it may have been a different story if she hadn’t.
“I’m really amazed that she managed to carry such a bulky, heavy and an exceptionally strong bird so far. I’d like to say a massive thanks to her.
“I’d also like to remind people that it is illegal for dogs to be out of control in a public place. Dogs should be kept on leads around swans.”
(Burton Mail - October 13, 2012)
