RSPCA appeal after swan is shot dead in 'callous' attack in Forest Town
A SWAN was shot dead with a rifle in a ‘callous’ attack.
The shooting happened at Spar Pond, in Clipstone Drive, Forest Town, on Sunday, February 17.
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RSPCA Inspector Keith Ellis
Witnesses said they heard a gun shot and later saw a man carrying a gun bag leave the park.
RSPCA Inspector Keith Ellis attended the incident and found the body of a swan.
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He said: “This is a really sad incident and I cannot understand why someone would want to deliberately kill such a wonderful bird.
“I find it really upsetting to think that someone has just taken a shot at this swan for fun.”
The man is white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build, unshaven and fair skinned with light-coloured eyes.
He is around 30-years-old, had a tattoo on the right side of his neck and was wearing a green woollen hat and camouflage type clothing.
The rifle bag he carried was green with a brown leather strip.
Two small Jack Russell terriers accompanied the man. Both were black, brown and white in colour.
A green Vauxhall Astra was seen leaving the area soon after the shooting.
Inspector Ellis added: “I would like to hear from anyone who lives in this area, who may have some information regarding this incident, to contact me on the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
It is an offence to intentionally injure or kill a take a wild bird under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Offenders can face a fine of up to £5,000, as well as a six month prison sentence.
The police are also investigating this incident and anyone with information can call 101.
Comments
by lordsaints
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 10:19AM
“Only a matter of time before they find this fool! My kids love going down to the park to look at the birds and best of all the swans. HE SHOULD HAVE TO BE MADE TO BUY A NEW ONE ASWELL, I HOPE THEY BURN HIM.”