A four-week-old cygnet has died following a dog attack, says the charity

The bird had been savaged by a dog in Llandrindod Wells, claimed Swan Aid.

It added that this was latest in a long line of attacks on the protected species so far this year.

The RSPB said there was no evidence more were being targeted, but added they were more vulnerable at this time of year because they were nesting.

The cygnet was treated after his stomach was torn open and rib exposed on Sunday, said Swan Aid. The incident was reported by anglers.

The cygnet was cared for by the Bishops Wood Swan rescue centre, near Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire, but died on Tuesday afternoon.

These swan attacks have to stop Dan Sidley of Swan Aid

Swan Aid said it had received nearly 400 calls so far this year, compared to 300 during the same period in 2004, about injured swans in Powys, Herefordfordshire and Worcestershire.

Dan Sidley, of the charity, said air gun attacks on swans were increasing and he called on dog owners to keep their pets on leads.

"These swan attacks have to stop - we can not ignore them any longer," he said.

"I can't explain why, but there are more attacks on swans this year.

"Some dog owners are allowing their pets to attack swans on river banks and others are being shot with air guns."

A spokesman for the RSPB said during the last 15 years the swan population had increased after many previously died from swallowing anglers' lead weights.

Vandalism

"This is anecdotal, but there has been a lot of press interest recently although there's no evidence to suggest an increase in attacks on swans," he said.

"They may attract this type of vandalism because they are large birds and they nest in obvious locations."

In May, an investigation was launched after a pair of swans were found dead at a country park near Wrexham, leaving three cygnets orphaned.