Appeals have been made to dog owners to keep their pets under control after young swans at Musselburgh were “bothered” by a dog last week.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) attended at Levenhall pond last Thursday, and later said the cygnets were uninjured and had been relocated to the River Esk for their safety.

Musselburgh resident Karen Turnbull, who regularly feeds and check on the birds – affectionately named Squeaky McGrumblewings and Thievzy McPickpocketbeak –was sad to see them go.

She claimed that the owner could not get control of his off-lead springer spaniel, and one of the cygnets was “screaming in distress”.

She posted on social media: “Had to say a sad farewell to the cygnets on Levenhall pond today after having to call the SSPCA to come and move them somewhere safe after I witnessed one being attacked by a dog.

“The owner could not get control of his springer spaniel and the cygnets were not quite prepared to fend for themselves yet as they literally had been ‘kicked out’ by the parents.

“I would like to take this opportunity to ask dog owners to be mindful of the local wildlife as watching a young bird that I’ve fed and got to know over the last six months being senselessly attacked has angered me… but mostly upset me.

“Thankfully he didn’t appear to have any external injuries and hopefully he and his sister will thrive in their new home.”

Karen told the Courier that one cygnet was involved in the alleged incident with the dog.

She claimed: “Sadly, it’s a common occurrence down there – the adult male has been attacked several times during the summer while he was protecting his family.

“The locals know there are swans on the pond – there have been for years – yet they still let unmanageable dogs off lead by their droves.”

Speaking on Friday, she said: “As sad as yesterday was, I’m glad that at least they will stand a better chance where they have been moved to.

“Unfortunately, though, the whole cycle will start again when this year’s batch of cygnets arrive.

“Hopefully, under the watchful eye of all of us who help protect them a little, this year’s babies will also make it into adulthood.

“There are three of us who regularly feed and check the swans. The two other ladies have been doing it far longer than me, as I only moved into the area six months ago.

“It’s quite common that two of us turn up at the same time, which luckily happened as I was in such a state after seeing my little friend being attacked.

“The dog and its owners were over the other side of the field. I was shouting at the man to get control of his dog, which he did try but was unable to.

“The whole thing must have lasted about three to four minutes until he eventually got hold of the dog, then put it on a lead.

“Where the cygnets were sitting was literally on the main path.

“They were both exhausted and hungry, as their dad would not let them back onto the water at all.

“The one that was attacked by the dog made its way down to the water and was promptly attacked again… by its dad.”

Melissa Maitland, SSPCA senior animal rescue officer, said: “We attended a report of cygnets being bothered by a dog. Thankfully the cygnets were not injured and both were relocated to the River Esk, Musselburgh, as their parents were chasing them off the water and it wasn’t safe to leave them due to risk from dogs in the area.

“We strongly urge dog owners to keep their dog under control at all times and on a lead whenever they are near livestock or wildlife.

“If anyone comes across wildlife which is injured or abandoned, the Scottish SPCA’s advice is not to attempt to move or touch it and call the charity’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”