Search for dog owner after he 'ordered' pet to 'attack' swans
Two “gutless morons” have been outed online after allegedly setting an excited dog onto a group of swans causing one to be “vigorously shaken” in a gory attack.
A woman who saw the attack took a photo of the two men as they walked away from the site of the attack on Sorrento beach on the Mornington Peninsula, in Victoria, on Sunday.
She said in that post that one of the men told his friend to “watch this” before letting his dog off its lead and prompting it to run towards about 20 swans bathing nearby.
The woman she saw the dog grab a swan and “shake it vigorously” as the two men laughed.
“I screamed and swore at him to call dog off, he laughed. My husband ran into the water to try and release swan from dogs mouth, [while the] guy just stood on beach,” the post read.
The pair then walked quickly towards the Sorrento Yacht Club, the woman said, but were yet to be tracked down.
She added the swan was injured and had to be carried out of the water and held until police arrived.
The woman later posted an update on the swan’s condition saying it had been treated and given pain relief, and was likely to recover in the care of a wildlife volunteer.
Police have appealed for public assistance to identify the man believed to be the owner of the dog.
“Investigators have been told a man's dog attacked a swan on the beach about 10am. Police attended and took the swan to a local vet for treatment,” a statement from police
“The man is believed to be Caucasian in appearance and was wearing a white/grey jacket and dark shorts.
“Investigators would like to speak with anyone who recognises him or alternatively ask the man to come forward and contact police.”
Anyone with information can contact Rosebud Police Station on 03 5986 0444.
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