Corsham estate owner James Methuen Campbell is asking dog owners to keep their pets under control after a labrador attacked a female swan.

The owner of Corsham Court was horrified that the bird, which had only recently flown into the park after pairing up with a young male swan, was attacked while the dog’s owner looked on. Mr Methuen Campbell said: “I was disgusted.

“Luckily the swan is okay but dog owners should not allow their pets to attack these sacred birds which belong to the Queen and are a protected species.”

The estate’s only other female swan was killed 10 months ago by a dog. Estate staff were delighted to realise recently that the male swan had attracted a new mate from outside the park, especially as swans mate for life.

Mr Methuen Campbell said: “We were looking forward to seeing cygnets this year but the estate manager fears that the shock of the attack could prevent her from breeding.”