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Five baby swans have been orphaned after their father was killed by a dog and their mother was fatally injured by a fishing hook.

The cygnets were part of a family living on the Ashby Canal, in a beauty spot between Conkers Visitors Centre and Shortheath Road in Moira, and were popular with visitors to the area.

The RSPCA says the male swan had to be put down after it was attacked by a dog, before its mate was fatally injured by a fishing hook.

The charity says the cygnets were too young to look after themselves, so it is now caring for them.

RSPCA animal collection officer Neil Astle said the family of swans had been devastated by “irresponsible behaviour”.

He was called to the Ashby canal after reports the male swan had been attacked by a dog.

When he arrived, he found the swan suffering with a gaping hole in his back.

The swan could not be saved, so a decision was made to put it to sleep.

Two weeks later, on Wednesday, July 4, Mr Astle returned to the canal after the RSPCA was told the swan’s female mate appeared to be struggling to move.

He found that an injury from a barbed fishing hook had caused damage to a tendon, and it had become badly infected.

She was taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, near Nantwich, along with the cygnets, but her condition deteriorated and she was put down to end her suffering, said a spokesperson for the charity.

The cygnets remain at the centre.

'Careless and irresponsible'

Mr Astle said: “It is awful that this family of swans has been decimated by the careless actions and irresponsible behaviour of a few.

“It was terribly sad when I went to attend the male swan as he was clearly suffering and could not be saved, so a decision was made to put him to sleep.

“As I took him away the female was calling to him, it was awful and because she was distressed so were the cygnets.

“This terrible incident could have been avoided had the dog-owner been responsible and kept their pet on a lead.

“Then the female had to be put to sleep after getting an infection from a barbed fishing hook which shouldn’t be used as they are designed to rip the flesh.

“This too could have been so easily avoided if someone had disposed of their fishing hook correctly in the first place.

“This has left five cygnets orphaned which is so sad but these kind of tragic incidents appear to keep happening.”

He added: “Fishing litter in our waterways is a major problem and it is so damaging to wildlife. I would urge people to be responsible and remember to take home any litter if you go fishing – discarded lines and hooks can easily snag water birds and other wildlife, causing terrible injuries and suffering.

“All it takes is a little thought and care and an animal’s life could be saved.”

It is hoped all the rescued birds will be able to return to a natural habitat once they are strong enough.