Burntwood swan put down after being shot ten times in "disturbing" attack

The RSPCA is now appealing for information after the bird was shot ten times in Burntwood.

The male swan was found by water in Cannock Road, Burntwood, with a hole in his neck, on March 30. RSPCA inspector Rob Crutchley collected the bird and took him to the charity’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, in Nantwich, Cheshire.

An x-ray showed that the swan had been shot 10 times with an air gun. Pellets were found in the bird’s wings, chest, legs, tail and beak.

The protected bird was so badly injured that he was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

Inspector Crutchley said: “The swan had been completely peppered with pellets – he would have been in so much pain after what could have been a prolonged attack.

“It is shocking and disturbing to think that someone thinks it is acceptable to do this to an innocent animal. It is cruel and causes horrific suffering. We are appealing for people to come forward with information so we can find out who did this to this poor swan.”

It is against the law to kill or injure wild birds, except under licence, and individuals can be fined up to £5,000 and potentially up to six months in prison for each bird killed.

Burntwood North Councillor Sue Woodward was left shocked by the cruelty.

She said: "I'm shocked. Why anyone would want to kill or injure such a magnificent bird is beyond me.

"I assume the swan must have got lost and wondered away from the water but to do this is brutal.

"Whoever did do this is appalling, they have must have no sense of mortality.

"I imagine the whole community would be shocked by this too and I hope someone with information goes forward to the police or RSPCA and they get who those who committed this awful act."

People with information should contact the RSPCA in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.

If you see an animal in distress you can ring the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.