Wimbledon and Putney Common conservators have warned owners to keep their dog's on a leash following a swan attack over the weekend.
Conservators were made aware of the attack which took place shortly after 9.15 am at Queensmere Pond on Saturday (June 13).
Eyewitnesses were speaking by the lake when they saw a dog run into the water and launch the attack on a swan.
The eyewitnesses then started shouting at two men who approached the bank until one of the men ran off to the other side of the lake.
The dog proceeded to clamp onto the swan’s wing for around two minutes before the man jumped into the water to retrieve the dog.
Merton photographer, Angela Harrod, pictured the attack.
"The swan did not fight back and the dog was clamped onto his wing.
"My instinct as a professional photographer was to document the event to hopefully bring the owner to prosecution.
"I love dogs - but I really wish the owners would keep them on the leads near the lake, and not get aggressive and offended when asked to do so.
"It was sickening and very upsetting to watch.
"It is amazing the swan survived this fairly unscathed."
Wimbledon and Putney Common Conservators said: "For over 10 years we have asked visitors to keep their dogs on a lead and to keep them out of the water.
"The reason for this is to protect our breeding waterfowl and to protect dogs.
"They choose to breed at Queensmere and it is a vulnerable site so we have to help them as much as we can.
"An attack by an adult male swan defending his mate and cygnets can result in serious injury to your dog.
"Despite signs in the area informing visitors that dogs must be on leads and information on our media platforms, this weekend saw an all-out attack on the cob.
"The dog was out of control and not responding to his owner, resulting in the owner having to get in the water and physically retrieve his dog.
"Our thanks go out to The Swan Sanctuary for arriving here swiftly, catching the swan and confirming he was OK before releasing him back on the water.
"If the owner of the dog would like to come forward, we’d be happy to chat through the requirements in respect of responsible dog walking here on the Commons."
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