SIGNS showing walkers must keep dogs on leads could be coming for the Causeway in Freshwater, after two swans died following an attack by a loose dog.

Some residents have requested the area becomes one in which dogs must be kept on leads.

The Isle of Wight County Press received a few letters from people saying they were struggling to get answers from the local authority about how to go about doing this.

The County Press asked the Isle of Wight Council what the situation was.

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: “Ensuring the wellbeing of people along with animals will always be given proper consideration so it is wrong to say that the council ‘aren’t interested’.

“This will be treated as a Public Spaces Protection Order request, which can cover dogs on leads.

“These orders are due for review later this year. This starts with recommendations to members and if agreed then go out to formal consultation on the proposals.

“The results of the consultation will determine whether we introduce new regulations or not. Any changes must be based on evidence of public nuisance. This incident will be recorded as such.

"Until then we ask all users of open spaces to respect each other and local wildlife.”

Meanwhile, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed enquiries are ongoing in the search for two people and a dog, seen at the time of the swan attack.

No arrests or charges have been made.

Isle of Wight County Press:

One local resident told the County Press: "I and many others are incensed that yet again, some irresponsible dog owners do not control or train their pet, thinking it will not harm other creatures.

"What a hideous end to a short life, and a traumatic end for the parent swan trying to defend its young.

"Shame on the guilty owners who slunk off, leaving someone else to take the dying one to a vet.

"I wrote a letter to the County Press a few years ago after a similar fatal incident, pleading that dog owners put their animal on a lead around the Causeway where many swans congregate, raise their young and are fed and watched by locals and visitors, young and old alike.

"Until someone has the guts to do something constructive, this will happen again and again."

Another local resident has offered to pay for the signs, if necessary.