Charity calls for law change after swan fatally shot in Norfolk
The RSPCA says air gun regulations need to be tightened.
There are calls for the law to be changed to make it harder for people to get access to airguns after a swan was shot in the head with one in King's Lynn.
The cygnet was found by the River Nar, in South Lynn after suffering a head wound, on 1st March.
Jon Knight, who's an inspector for the charity and took the animal to RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre, wants people to think twice before using an air gun.
At the centre a vet carried out an x-ray and sadly it was revealed the bird had been shot, with the pellet still lodged in her skull.
As the injury was so severe, the bird was put to sleep to prevent her suffering further.
Jon said: "It's so sad to think that this poor cygnet 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.
"I would also like to thank the member of the public who helped this swan and kept a watchful eye until we collected the bird.
"I'm just sad this is not the outcome any of us wanted.
"Sadly this is the third swan we have brought to the centre in the last two weeks which has been shot.
"The other two birds were rescued from Lincolnshire and while it is not believed any of these incidents are linked, it is extremely worrying that three birds have been shot at different locations in such a short time frame.
"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."
Alison Charles, manager at East Winch Wildlife Centre, added: "Our vet examined the swan on arrival and she was very weak.
"When we x-rayed her we could clearly see the pellet. We suspect it had been fired at close range and as the wound was quite fresh it is likely it happened over that weekend.
"It is just so upsetting to think that someone has deliberately targeted an innocent wild animal."