 Swans are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act |
Two swans have been decapitated in a series of airgun attacks in the past few months that have also seen another five birds shot dead in South Yorks. RSPCA inspectors have been called to five separate incidents in the county.
Earlier this month a male and a female adult swan were shot and decapitated in a brutal attack in Hemingfield.
In September a female swan and a cygnet died in Doncaster, a male and a female were shot in Barnsley in May and one was killed in Doncaster in April.
RSPCA Inspector Terry Speight said he was very concerned by the rising number of airgun attacks committed against animals in South Yorkshire.
He said: "Over the last few months we've dealt with an unprecedented number of airgun attacks, particularly against swans, though we believe this is just the tip of the iceberg.
"Many afflicted wild animals will hide away to die painful and lingering deaths, and air pellet entry wounds are difficult to detect by the untrained eye.
"If anyone saw, heard or knows anything about these incidents we are keen to hear from them urgently.
"The sooner we get to the bottom of these shocking attacks the better."
Emma Doherty, of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' investigations team, said: "Sadly, this type of wanton destruction seems to be all too common, with swans being frequent and accessible targets.
"Vandals should be aware there are severe penalties for anyone convicted of killing wildlife illegally, with up to six months in prison."
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Many afflicted wild animals will hide away to die painful and lingering deaths, and air pellet entry wounds are difficult to detect by the untrained eye
