A reward is being offered to anybody who may have information following a suspected dog attack.

On Monday, May27, a swan was found with serious injuries at Waltham Abbey Gardens and had to be treated in a sanctuary in Middlesex.

Trustee of the Swan Sanctuary, Steve Knight, said that the offence, they assume, was committed under the 1871 Dogs Act.

He said: “The Swan Sanctuary will offer a reward of £500 to anybody with any information on the dog attack on the male swan at Waltham Abbey Gardens this May bank holiday leading to a successful prosecution.”

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is now appealing to other dog owners to be careful.

Amy Lewis, Ranger at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “We were extremely fortunate to have had this beautiful Swan family at Waltham Abbey Gardens but sadly, the male Swan sustained serious injuries from what appears to be an attack by a dog.

“We are currently in nesting season and while we appreciate the majority of visitors to the park are respectful of wildlife, we would remind people that it is an offence to disturb nesting birds and ask them to keep their dogs under close control.”

The male swans mate and their small cygnet have now left their nest and have relocated to Gunpowder Mills. At the weekend, the male was released by the Sanctuary to join his family and is being monitored daily.

The Swan Sanctuary can be contacted through their website: www.theswansanctuary.org.uk.

To get in touch with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, email: info@leevalleypark.org.uk or ring 08456 770 600.