Swan death investigation in leafy English town points blame at out-of-control dog

A dog that was not under control has been blamed for killing a male swan and three cygnets at a popular Epping Forest lake earlier this month.

The attack occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, June 7, at Connaught Waters, leaving the female swan with severe injuries.

The swan pair had reportedly nested at the location for multiple years.

This season, they successfully hatched five young, though the number had already dropped to three by the time of the fatal incident.

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During the attack, the dog is believed to have killed the adult male and all remaining cygnets in a single episode.

The female swan survived but sustained serious wounds.

Epping Forest constables, operating under the City of London Corporation, which manages the forest, are now investigating the incident.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the attack or has relevant information to come forward.

A statement from Epping Forest investigations said: "Epping Forest constables are appealing for witnesses to an incident where several swans were attacked by a dog.

"The incident is believed to have taken place on Sunday afternoon, June 7, on Connaught Waters. The male dog owner was seen in the water retrieving the dog."

The owner was observed entering the water to recover his pet following the attack on the birds.

Investigators are urging members of the public who may have seen any part of the incident to assist with their enquiries.

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Anyone with information should contact the Epping Forest investigation team on 020 8532 1010.

Connaught Water ranks among the most frequented walking spots in Epping Forest, popular for its wildlife and proximity to Chingford.

E1 Waterbird Welfare, a charity dedicated to supporting waterbirds across East London and the surrounding region, responded to the scene.

The statement read: "We were called to help with a truly shocking incident at Connaught Waters, where an unleashed dog had killed the cob and all the cygnets, and left the pen suffering with serious injuries."

The charity also discovered a tufted duck that had been badly bitten during the attack.

The statement continued: "Goodness knows if there were any other casualties that we don't know about."

E1 Waterbird Welfare expressed deep frustration at the recurring nature of such incidents.

The charity said: "It's totally devastating to have to report yet again on the tragic consequences of dogs not being kept under control around wildlife."

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