Swan dies after being repeatedly bit on neck by dog at Forres pond

A swan has died weeks after it was repeatedly bit on the neck by a dog at a pond in Moray.

The swan, named Franky, was rescued from the water at Brodie Castle and Estate on February 5 after being spotted with a badly injured neck.

Initially, the Scottish SPCA staff said the swan was doing well, but suddenly, she stopped eating after developing abscesses in her neck above the wound site.

She was given a course of antibiotics and pain relief, but the injuries were too severe.

While vets tried to operate in time, there was far too much damage, and the decision was made to put her down.

Animal rescue officer Lynn Cruickshank said: “Despite being injured she was still swimming strong and low flying.

“We needed to use a boat to reach her and after quite a chase, I eventually hooked her, and she was exhausted, but it was the only option we had left.

“We had a quick look and the wounds on neck looked quite bad and the base of her neck was so swollen.

“She was then transferred to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre so she could be seen by our vets quickly.”

Those who witness swans being attacked by dogs have been urged to call the police on the non-emergency 101 number and ask to report the incident to the wildlife crime officer.