Another swan has been injured in a dog attack at Barton's Point Coastal Park.

Despite signs warning owners to keep their animals on the lead while walking in the Sheerness country park, a swan known as Charlie was mauled on Sunday.

Volunteers from Swampys Animal Rescue went to the lake and treated the bird. They are now appealing for witnesses.

Swampys' owner Ray Allibone said: "The male swan we know as Charlie was left with two puncture wounds after an attack by a dog off it's lead.

"Luckily the injuries are not life-threatening but they are very close to the wing joint.

We are not expecting any flight problems so we released him back to the lake. But this could easily have been much worse and even led to a death."

He added: "This is all because dog-owners won't keep their animals on a lead while near the lake."

In . The swans' other babies also died after "human intervention."

Two years ago an adult male swan was injured by a dog at the lake and needed surgery.

Mr Allibone said: "I don't know what's going on. It's crackers. Injuries like these are totally avoidable. It's not rocket science, dogs should be on a lead when near any wildlife."

His animal sanctuary in Diamond Court, Sheerness, is also looking after hedgehogs which have been attacked by dogs.

He was also called out by police last month when a number of pigeons were found shot in Sheerness High Street in broad daylight.

Mr Allibone, 64, said: "Police were at the scene and said a number of birds were shot.

"Only one survived and they brought that to me. But it died later that night.

"I have no idea what was used but it must have been powerful to have penetrated right through the bird. It was a large projectile. It could have been a catapult."

A spokesman for Swale council which owns the park said: “We are aware of the incident involving a dog and swan at Barton's Point Coastal Park and are increasing our warden patrols to remind dog owners that dogs must be kept under proper control at all times, even when having a run in open spaces.

“We are also in the process of producing advisory signs that inform dog owners to keep their dogs on leads around the swan-friendly area at the Boathouse café.

“We urge dog owners to keep control of their dogs while visiting any open space like the coastal park, especially around the café where swans and other wildlife gather.”

Information on the swan attack can be reported to Mr Allibone via his Facebook page Swampys Wildlife Rescue, email swampyswildliferescue@rocketmail.com or call 01795 585405.

For more advice on controlling dogs, visit www.swale.gov.uk/dog-control

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey