A TEENAGER has been reprimanded for goading his dog to kill a young swan on the Grahame Park Estate.

The 17-year-old, who has not been named by police, was seen by several residents forcing his dog to attack baby swans in the "disturbing" incident.

The attack on the swans, who live at the pond in the green space on the estate, lead to the death of a cygnet.

The residents told officers from the Colindale Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), who arrested the 17-year-old on June 23.

He was reprimanded under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which killing, injuring or taking wild birds.

Sergeant Roger Mitham, who leads the Colindale SNT, said: “The open space on the Grahame Park estate is well used by residents, especially families with young children.

"A number of people witnessed this disturbing incident and were extremely distressed by it.

”We do not tolerate any type of violence or intimidation in this ward and will take action to tackle it."

Barnet Police are currently involved in the BARK (Barnet Action for Responsible K9s) project, which aims to educate dog owners about how to look after their pets responsibly.

BARK was launched in the borough in June 2008 and involves monthly patrols of police and RSPCA officers in areas where there are known to be dog-related issues.

Since the launch, the number of dog-related crime calls to Barnet Police has reduced by 15 per cent.

Sergeant Mitham said BARK has had a "massive impact" in Colindale.