Swan hit by car after being 'terrified' by dogs off-lead on frozen pond in Elgin

A swan has been hit by a car after being “terrified” by dogs off their lead on a frozen pond in Moray.

Elgin Library said a swan was injured by a car on Sunday after it ran onto the road from the ice-covered water at Cooper Park.

Moray Council Libraries and Information Services posted on social media that the swan had become “terrified” of dogs off their leashes.

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) attended the scene.

The library had previously posted on Saturday to warn members of the public of swans on the ice and not to approach them.

They asked those walking dogs not to allow their pets on the ice.

Investigators told library staff that swans are very powerful wild birds well adapted for swimming in cold temperatures.

It was said the animals should have been able to break the ice free using their chests, and can survive for days if unable to do so.

The frozen-over pond has been used in previous years by dogwalkers and members of the public.

It comes after heavy snow and ice swept the north of Scotland last week, causing consecutive yellow warnings across Moray, Aberdeenshire, and the Highlands.

In a statement on Facebook on Sunday: “It is the post we hoped that yesterday’s message would stop us from having to make.

“One of the swans has become terrified by dogs off-leash on the ice. It has run into the road and been hit by a car and injured. An SSPCA agent has just arrived at the pond.

“Please, please, please keep your distance from the swans – particularly your dogs.

“Please let the professionals deal with this, and do not try to intervene.

“We know people just want to help, but it will only cause more distress for the bird.”

An SSPCA spokesperson said: “We received numerous calls yesterday afternoon, Sunday, January 12 regarding an injured swan in the Trinity Place area of Elgin.

“The swan had been hit by a car across the road and was initially stunned and there was a cut to a leg which bled slightly.

“An Inspector attended the area and found the swan had made their way back on the pond which had begun to thaw and were back with their mate.

“The swan appeared fine, and the inspector will return today to check again.

“The area sees lots of member of the public feeding the swans so they are well monitored.”