Dog owners warned over swan death

The swan was found several days ago by Trust staff

Dog owners are being urged to keep their animals under control following the death of a swan which was bitten at a North East nature reserve.

The swan's body was found at Rainton Meadows near Houghton-le-Spring in County Durham.

Durham Wildlife Trust said the animal had died from blood poisoning caused by a dog bite.

The reserve is popular with dog walkers but is also breeding area for birds like grebes and swans.

Mark Dinning, the Trust's reserve officer, said: "We appreciate that many dog owners do act responsibly on the reserve but we really do need all of them to show some sensitivity to the animals that live at Rainton Meadows.

"Dogs do like to leap into the water after sticks or to swim but that kind of disruption can cause problems for wildlife.

"It will drive away not just grebes and swans, but also a host of other venerable species. We do ask people to remember that Rainton Meadows is a nature reserve first and foremost.

"Hopes were high that Rainton Meadows could produce young swans. Instead, thanks to the thoughtless action of a dog owner, we have a very sad male that has been robbed of its mate."