Information is sought after a swan was found dead with injuries consistent with being shot with an air weapon in Leicestershire.
The sad discovery was made by a member of the public last Monday (10 March) at 11am after the bird had been seen alive the day before.
Picture credit: RSPCA
The swan was found floating in a lake at Braunstone Park and the incident was reported to the RSPCA and police who are investigating.
RSPCA Inspector Helen Smith said: “It is always very distressing to think that people may be taking pleasure in targeting defenceless animals.
“The body of the swan was removed and examined and a small hole was found on the left side of their head and there was damage to the right eye. There were no other signs of injury or struggle and the wound looks consistent with an air weapon wound.
“I am investigating this and would appeal to anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area and I would urge them to call the RSPCA Inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident 01465692 or call the police.”
Leicestershire Police are also investigating the incident and would like anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information which could help with enquiries to get in touch. Contact 101 or via www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime number 25*156640.
Helen added: “We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.
“We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop could help relieve the problem.”
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal – except under licence – to take, injure or kill wild birds.
