Swan shot four times in Milton Keynes
The RSPCA are now investigating in the incident back in May
A swan has been shot four times in Milton Keynes.
The bird had to be cared for at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital after being found near Willen Lake at the end of May.
The RSPCA is investigating in the incident.
The incident happened at the end of May and the swan was found collapsed on a slipway near to the Willen Lakes in the south in the area of Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes.
The swan has been cared for by staff at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital after four pellets were discovered in the poor bird’s body.
The incident, which happened on May 31st, was reported to the police‘s rural crime team and the RSPCA and the charity is appealing for information.
An x-ray of the adult bird revealed they had been shot in multiple areas – the neck, right leg and left hand side of the body.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of those at the Tiggywinkles the swan later died.
RSPCA inspector Lauren Bailey said:
“It’s so sad to think that this poor swan had to suffer as a result of someone taking pot shots. We want to highlight this awful incident so that people can keep an eye out for wildlife in the area, although we hope that this was an isolated incident.
“It is just so upsetting to think that someone has deliberately targeted an innocent wild animal.”
“I would ask anyone who has any information about the incidents to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018 or call the police.”
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. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.