The swan has two airgun pellets lodged in its head

The male swan was found staggering around a field at Clyst St Mary, near Exeter, last month.

He was taken to the RSPCA's West Hatch Animal Sanctuary, near Taunton, where an x-ray revealed two airgun pellets in his head.

But vets at the centre think an operation to remove the pellets is too dangerous.

They are hoping the bird will continue to survive without surgery.

The swan has been treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling and infection.

'Callous attack'

RSPCA vet Glen Cousquer described the incident as a "callous attack".

"This swan has undoubtedly been deliberately hit, and no doubt the person that did it thought they had hit the target and killed him."

The RSPCA has been campaigning for many years to curb airgun attacks on pets and wildlife.

Last year the charity dealt with 900 such cases in England and Wales.