Swan is shot and killed in Milton Keynes

The incident happened on May 31 this year near Willen Lakes in the south in the area of Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes.

A member of the public found the bird collapsed on the ground, before it was taken and care for by staff at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Haddenham, near Aylesbury.

After the swan was examined, it was discovered that four pellets were found in the bird’s body.

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The crime has since been reported to the police‘s rural crime team, along with the RSPCA, are appealing to the public for information.

The swan was shot and killed in Milton Keynes (RSPCA)

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 potshots.

"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.”

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“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.