Swan attack

Published: 10 June, 2010

• HUGO Barnacle’s defence of swans (Letters, June 3) is admirable, but he should try to cultivate a more balanced view to take account of all those who enjoy Hampstead Heath.

I, too, love swans.  However, dogs also have needs and rights!  

My friendly, very good-natured labrador has twice been attacked by swans, on one occasion on the Heath.  

If I had noticed swans on the ponds I would not have let my dog in.  However, as soon as he entered the water, the swans swooped on him and they were not protecting young.  Swans can be very vicious.

Like most labradors and many other breeds of dog, my dog loves to swim and it would be wrong to deprive him of this pleasure. 

Perhaps some ponds could be dedicated to swans and others to dogs, with clear signage. And a sense of humour would help in resolving this issue!

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED, N6