Swan dies after being found seriously injured in Bradford-on-Avon
It's thought the Swan was nesting
Last updated 17th Apr 2026
A swan has died after being found seriously injured on a towpath in Bradford on Avon.
Police were called to Barton Country Park at around 9am on Friday (17th April).
Despite the best efforts of Bath Swan Rescue, it had to be euthanised due to the extent of its injuries.
Wiltshire Police have said it's unclear how the swam was injured but there was a trail of feathers along the towpath and signs of struggle which indicate it was a sustained attack.
The forced added that it's thought the Swan was nesting at the time and two of its eggs which it was believed to be incubating are thought to be missing from the nest.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said in a statement: "If you witnessed anything from yesterday evening (16/04) through to this morning within the Country Park then please contact us on 101 quoting reference 54260045606.
"While it is unconfirmed the injuries were from a dog, please take this as a timely reminder that it is nesting and lambing season, and however well trained your dog is, it can be a danger to ground nesting birds and livestock.
Please pay attention to any signs and if you suspect there are ground nesting birds or livestock nearby, keep your dog on a lead."