Hunt for dog owner after swan savaged at South Inch

A swan savaged by a dog on Perth’s South Inch has died.

Officials from the Scottish SPCA said a black labrador mauled the bird and left it ”suffering and in pain” on Thursday last week.

The animal welfare charity was alerted by a member of the public but could do nothing to save the swan’s life. It has now appealed for help identifying the dog owner.

Scottish SPCA chief Inspector Brian Cowing said: ”The pond had become flooded due to the recent bad weather and it appears this swan had moved to shallower water, which meant it was closer to the built-up area.

”Two men were seen throwing a ball for a black labrador which was with them in the park at around 5.30pm, shortly before it attacked the swan.”

He added: ”This swan’s death was entirely preventable and we are very keen to trace the owner of the dog.”

He went on to appeal to dog owners to ensure their pets are under control in public.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.