WalesOnline has seen images too graphic to share of a swan which seems to have received a fatal wound to the head. It comes as the RSPCA issues an appeal for information after a female swan was reportedly "shot in the head" whilst nesting her eggs on Neath canal last week.
The cruel attack, understood to have taken place overnight on Friday, May 12, is thought to be the third swan death in this section of the canal in the last 18 months, coming after a cygnet had a "brick dropped on it" a year and a half ago and after a female swan with eight cygnets became seriously injured, and later put to sleep, after having a stone thrown at her, a local resident said.
WalesOnline was contacted by the concerned local after she and others laid the swan to rest near the site it was shot, near George's Row in Briton Ferry. The resident says a male swan was also injured in the incident, and the female's seven eggs were taken. Want the latest Neath Port Talbot news straight to your inbox? We send our email subscribers a newsletter twice per week with the latest news from the region. Sign up here
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"One of our beautiful female swans was shot in the head between 4.20pm on Friday, May 12 and 9.30 am on Saturday, May 13 on the Neath Canal at the Briton Ferry section near George's Row," the resident said. "She was nesting there with her partner. Her seven eggs were stolen and her mate was also attacked but luckily survived.
"This is the third swan death on the canal in the last 18 months,. A cynget had a brick dropped on it 18 months ago in exactly the same place as this swan, and last summer a female swan with eight cygnets had a stone thrown at her on the canal and she was later put to sleep by the RSPCA, leaving the male to rear the cygnets alone. I would like to raise the plight of these fabulous birds and the dangers they face. They are being persecuted."
Appealing for information, a spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "This report is shocking - and appears to be an intentional act of cruelty. We share our space with wildlife and need to show respect and kindness. Animals feel pain, just as we do. It’s disgusting to think that anyone could take pleasure in hurting a living creature.
"Anyone with information should contact us on our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 or please call South Wales Police on 101.
"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 or to take, damage or destroy their eggs or nest whilst it is in use or being built. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine."
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