"Cowardly" crossbow attack on Babbs Mill swan

TARGETED: The mute swan, one of our best-known species of waterfowl,
is a common sight at Babbs Mill. Credit/RSPCA

A SWAN was shot through the wing with a crossbow in an apparently random act of cruelty at Babbs Mill.
A visitor had seen the bird in obvious distress last Tuesday (October 1) and the RSPCA was called.
When David Williams, an inspector for the animal welfare charity, arrived at the scene he discovered that the mute swan had been transfixed by a 17 inch bolt.

Having managed to capture the creature, he took it to the Newbrook Animal Centre, in Birmingham, where vets were able to remove the arrow and patch up the wound.
The female bird has since been transferred to the Wychbold Swan Rescue, in Droitwich.
Mr Williams condemned the person responsible for the attack.
"It is disgusting to think that someone deliberately decided to shoot this poor swan," he said.
"She must have been terrified and in a lot of pain. It is fortunate a member of the public saw the swan struggling and reported the matter to us or she could have been left to suffer a lingering death.
"I would now like to trace the callous person who is responsible for such a cowardly attack."
Intentionally harming any wild bird is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Culprits could face an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, or both.
Anyone with information about the incident or who saw anything suspicious should call the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018.