TWO swans have been killed by dogs in a nature reserve.

The Railway Land Wildlife Trust in Lewes is warning pet owners to keep their dogs on the lead after the incidents.

A spokesman for the trust said: “The vast majority of dog walkers in the Railway Land are responsible dog owners and nature lovers. Needless to say, dog owners need to keep their dogs under control at all times.”

The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) is also asking people to keep their dogs under control after the attacks.

The first happened on December 28 opposite the rowing club on the eastern side of the Lewes Railway Lands.

The latest happened on Saturday in the fields close to one of the drainage dykes.

Rescuers from WRAS said the birds were so badly injured they had to be put to sleep by vets.

Trevor Weeks of WRAS said: “This has been distressing for our rescuers as well as members of the public who saw it. It is easy to assume that while walking in the countryside you can let your dog run free and there is no risk if you can’t see livestock but please think about the wildlife which may be out of sight especially along rivers and streams, which could be hidden down embankments or behind reeds.”