Police are appealing for witnesses after a swan was attacked by dog.
The incident happened at Manor Floods in Ilkeston on Thursday, July 30.
Police were called to the Erewash Borough Council-run nature reserve following reports of the incident at 9.30am
A spokesman for Derbyshire Police said: "Officers were called to reports that a swan had been attacked by a dog at 9.30am yesterday morning (30 July).
"The man seen by the witness was described as being in his mid-30s and was wearing a salmon pink t-shirt and shorts. The dog was described as medium sized, similar to a border collie.
"The body of the swan was collected by the RSPCA – along with five cygnets that had been orphaned as a result of the swan’s death."
Councillor Mike Wallis, Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, at Erewash Borough Council: added: “We condemn any wildlife cruelty and share the outrage and disgust of every right-minded person when distressing incidents like this happen.
“The police are investigating and we would appeal to anyone with information about this sickening incident to get in touch with them.
“In areas such as our Manor Floods Local Nature Reserve, we would urge everyone to report any suspicious person or cruelty to animals to the police in the first instance.”
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Derbyshire police with reference 20000392030.
