A YOUNG swan has died after suffering “shocking” and “unimaginable pain” in an attack by three dogs.

The cygnet, thought to be less than a year old, had to be put down after the mauling in Whitlingham Country Park near Norwich.

The RSCPA said a man was seen walking two greyhounds and a doberman - none of whom were on leads - at about 11am on Sunday. Witnesses described how the dogs seemed to be out of control and ran over to a lake, where they “tore apart” the swan. Their owner stood by, before later walking off with the dogs.

Norfolk Police and RSCPA officers spent three hours trying to rescue the cygnet, who was trapped in ice 12 feet from the bank.

Emily Bottomley, an RSPCA inspector, said: “Once we managed to get the cygnet to the bank we realised just how shocking its injuries were.

“It had a badly damaged wing and its intestines were literally hanging out of its body.

“It was so upsetting that, after trying to rescue this poor bird, we could do nothing to help it, the injuries were so severe.

“The swan suffered unimaginable pain and distress throughout its ordeal and it was put through this just because someone did not keep their dogs under control.

“We think the owner must have realised what could happen by allowing his pets to roam around in an area where there are so many wild birds and animals and at the very least he could have prevented this attack from happening.”

Pc Mark Campbell, from Norfolk Police, said: “We are working closely with the RSPCA and carrying out a police investigation to find those responsible for the attack which cost the life of a swan.

“There were several members of the public in the area at the time of the incident and would ask anyone with information to contact the police on 0845 456 4567 so we can bring the offender to justice”.

The RSPCA is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the attack to contact the cruelty line on 0300 123 4999.