A walker found the swan opposite Worcester Cathedral with bloody wounds on her neck and body, that were said to be so deep that her internal organs were visible.
The swan was rescued by rowers, a rowing coach and a passer-by and taken to Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre near Tewkebury but it was decided that her injuries were too severe to be treated and she was put down.
The Swan Food Project, a community group that helps to care for swans in Worcester, said the gashes were consistent with a dog attack and has urged dog owners to not let their pets run down the riverbank.
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A spokesperson said: “Wounds on her neck and her body, so deep that her internal organs were visible, are most consistent with a dog attack.
“Please, everyone, talk to family and friends, persuade dog walkers not to let their dogs run down the riverbank.
“Swans often rest in little bays along the river. Surely together we can stop this happening.
“Our dog owners' information board opposite the cathedral shows a 2016 photo of a swan rescued from the same place which died of its infected bites several days later. And still it goes on happening.”
She said: “We are not trying to be bossy as quite a lot of us have also got dogs but there was so much suffering for the swan, who would have suffered a lot more if a member of the public hadn't reported it.
“We were hoping that antibiotics would help. It's such a shame.
“We appreciate all the support that we have and it would be lovely if the wider community would help to keep the swans safe.”
It's not known exactly how old the swan was but The Swan Food Project said she had been attempting to nest for at least four years, with two successful attempts in 2022 and 2023.
