Tormented swan's mate killed by yobs

The graceful bird has endured years of harassment by yobs who killed her cygnets and wounded her with stones, rocks, bricks, bottles and logs. Now her mate has been killed.

On Saturday the body of the male swan, was found by dog walkers on the lake at Northlands Park, Pitsea.

Its head and neck were missing and there were bite marks on the base of its neck An investigation has been launched, but it is feared the sickening attack could have been caused by youths goading their dogs to attack the male swan.

Sarah Moran, Basildon Council’s animal control officer, said: “We examined the body of the swan on Saturday morning and it appears it was either killed or at least moved by a big dog.

“The bite marks were too big for a fox and the chances of a fox attacking a swan are very slim.

“What makes it worse is that swans pair up for life and while I was at the park on Saturday, the female swan was looking for her mate and visiting the site of the attack.”

A group of youths with dogs were spotted in the park on Friday evening. Council and police officers now want to speak to anyone with information about the attack.

Richard Moore, councillor responsibility for animal control said: “This is a very upsetting attack and I would hate to think that this was a deliberate act.

“Dog owners need to be in control of their dogs at all times, and I am urging for anyone with any information to contact the police immediately.”

The attack is thought to have happened between 7pm on Friday and 7am on Saturday.

Last summer the Echo reported Basildon Council’s parks team had to build a special fence at the park to protect the swan’s nest and eggs after yobs had destroyed the nest and killed her young brood two years running.

The female swan, has since become known as ‘the Pitsea swan’ and is cherished by dog walkers and animal lovers who use the park.

Anyone with information about the swan’s death is urged to call the police with details on 0300 3334444.