Park managers have responded to claims that their decision to lower pond levels could have been the reason a swan was killed by a dog last week.

The City of London Corporation who manage Wanstead Park defended its decision to deliberately lower the level of the Heronry Pond, which wildlife experts have suggested could have been why a dog was able to kill a swan there last Thursday (March 10).

A City of London spokesman said: “The water levels at the Heronry have had to be lowered so as to facilitate some repair works to the dam.

“The work is complete and the water levels are being restored to normal by pumping, but this will take some time.”

He also said the City has worked with several dog training organisations to encourage dog owners to be more responsible over the years and hopes to continue those projects.

The City is gathering evidence to prosecute the dog owner for a breach of the Dangerous Dogs Act and local bylaws.