Dog Plunges Into Water And Attacks Family Of Ducks

Local resident describes distressing scene at Strand on the Green

A spaniel off the leash plunged into the river at Strand on the Green and attacked a mother duck and ducklings last week, according to a reader, who has warned pet owners to watch their dogs while in public.

The woman said that she was walking around 9am on Friday morning along the Strand on the Green towpath when a springer spaniel jumped in the water, chasing and biting a family of six ducklings and their mother.

"The owner, who was down on the foreshore, called to the dog repeatedly but was unable to persuade her to come out. Over the next 25 minutes, the dog chased and ate all the ducklings and eventually killed the mother duck.

"A concerned member of the public waded into the water and swam out towards the dog but appeared to be struggling with the current, which was quite strong, and came out of the water.

"The RSPCA were alerted, but were unable to get to the scene in time. They stated that owners have a legal responsibility to keep their animals under control, particularly near wildlife. "

The resident, who does not wish to be named, said that after the incident the dog returned to its owner and they walked off in the direction of Kew Bridge, avoiding onlookers.

She said, "I want to reiterate how important it is for owners to be responsible for their pets. Also, the man who waded into the river, while he was trying to help, the current was much stronger than it looked at low tide and that could also have been a tragedy."

June 20, 2014