TWO swans are fighting for their lives today after being attacked by "uncontrollable" dogs on Worcester racecourse.

A furious Jan Harrigan, of Swan Rescue in Wychbold, said five others had been mauled to death on Christmas Eve.

"The police rang us to say there were swans dead and dying on Pitchcroft," she said.

"We thought it might be foxes, but got there to find two unleashed dogs among the swans, attacking uncontrollably. The owners were shouting and flapping about nearby.

"One swan had obviously tried to escape as it was grotesquely caught up in the railings, where it died."

Mrs Harrigan said she was livid that dog owners were letting the animals off their leads when they could not be controlled.

"One of my colleagues went into the water to fend off one of the dogs and was also bitten," she said.

The two surviving swans are being looked after at the rescue centre. One has wounds to its chest, the other has more severe injuries.

"As for the swans that were killed, I think it is unforgivable that people didn't even report the incidents," said Mrs Harrigan.

"I have three dogs myself, but if people know theirs could be aggressive they should keep them on a lead."

She said said there were many swans making the most of conditions on Pitchcroft - some of which had only one wing.

"They are enjoying the extra food supply and I am appalled this dreadful thing has happened," she said.

"The swans may be big but cannot get away fast enough if they are attacked.''