Two swans killed in acts of 'deliberate cruelty'
RSPCAAn RSPCA inspector described suspected catapult attacks that killed two swans as "one of the worst types of deliberate cruelty" he had seen in recent times.
On 8 October, an injured swan was rescued from a drainage ditch in the King's Avenue area of King's Lynn, Norfolk, after concerns were raised by the public.
A ball bearing had fractured its skull, and it was put to sleep at East Winch Wildlife Centre to prevent further suffering.
At the same location, another swan was found dead with a ball bearing inside it. The RSPCA has appealed for information to track those responsible.
Dean Astillberry, the attending inspector, said: "This is just shocking that two beautiful birds have been targeted in this way.
"This is one of the worst types of deliberate cruelty I have dealt with this year.
"These birds would have suffered horribly as a result of this attack and it is a shocking crime.
"Wild birds feel pain, fear and distress, and deserve our care and respect.
"Deliberately harming them causes immense suffering and can have devastating consequences for both individual animals and local wildlife populations."
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