A FEMALE swan is recovering after being savagely attacked by a dog in Largs.

The bird's tail feathers and preen gland area turned black after the attack.

The swan family have been a popular sight at Aubery - but calls have now been made for signs to insist dogs are kept on a lead.

After a similar incident a few years back two swans had to be put down - and Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre bosses say pet owners must be more responsible.

Concerned resident Sylvia Doughty had been monitoring the progress of the cygnets at Aubrey and contacted Hessilhead after noticing their mum had gone missing.

Sylvia said: "I was shocked when I was told what had happened. It was a very bad wound and will take a long time to heal.

"It now means "dad" is a single parent and definitely needs help and support in the form of those taking dogs for walks near, or in Aubery Park, to keep them on a lead.

"I would ask people to be considerate and respect the swans by keeping dogs on leads.

"Personally I feel a couple of signs, at each entrance, wouldn't go amiss either.

"Hesselhead said it will be a long time before she can be returned as feathers to grow over the wound before she can be released or risk serious infection."

A Hessilhead spokeswoman said: "The female swan is doing okay and is currently recovering in one of our outdoor areas.

"The report came in last Monday and one of our trustees attended right away and delivered her to Hessilhead.

The wound is on the gland right at the back where the tail feathers are. It was pretty bad when she first came in and was going black.

"However over recent days she has been looking better and we are hoping she can make a full recovery.

"All the signs are positive but it is going to take a long time.

"It would be a good idea if dog owners use leads when walking their pets, especially if their dogs are going to be aggressive - it is common sense in an area where there are swans and ducks."

In 2016, a swan was seriously injured at Aubery after a dog attack and later had to be euthanised.

Hessilhead cares for Scotland's injured and orphaned wildlife. It has been running for over 25 years, and became a registered charity in 1986.

For more details about their work, go to hessilheadwildlife.org.uk

Pictures: Ian Dalgleish/Liz Gray - Largs and Millport News Photo Club