Swan shot near Margrove Park in Boosbeck

A swan had to be put down after it was shot with an air rifle in East Cleveland.

The male bird was shot near Margrove Park in Boosbeck on Saturday, and despite efforts to help the animal, it had to be put down.

The RSPCA said a man was walking his dog at about 4pm when the incident happened.

RSPCA inspector John Lawson said: “While on his walk he witnessed a swan crash land into some thick bushes.

“The swan was lethargic and he could see blood on the bird, it was clear the bird was injured.

“He confined the swan in the passenger foot-well of his vehicle and phoned the RSPCA national telephone line.”

Mr Lawson then took the swan to a veterinary practice where a wound was discovered on the bird’s underbelly.

“Unfortunately due to injuries sustained from the shot and from hitting the ground the swan had to be euthanaised at the veterinary practice,” he said.

It is believed the bird originated from the pond at Margrove Park.

As native wild birds, swans are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to intentionally injure, take or kill a wild swan.

The Act also protects the eggs and nests of swans. It is an offence to take or possess the egg of a wild mute swan, or to damage or destroy the nest of a mute swan whilst in use or being built.

Anyone seeing an offence against swans or other wildlife should contact their police Wildlife Liaison Officer through their local police station.

If anyone has information on the shooting of the swan found at Boosbeck they are being asked to contact RSPCA DCI Lawson on 0300 1234 999.