Swan recovers from ‘mindless’ attack

A swan shot by an arrow in a “cruel and mindless” attack last month has made a full recovery.

The female was released at a protected site on the River Tay by the Scottish SPCA after undergoing emergency surgery for her injuries.

The arrow had been embedded in the bird’s wing and had narrowly missed her vital organs and spine following the incident near Kirkcaldy on March 19.

Her mate was found dead next to her but investigations have found his death was not caused by a bow and arrow attack or any other crime.

Colin Sneddon, manager of the SSPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, said the female had spent almost a month recovering.

“The swan came to us with the arrow having already been removed by a vet,” he said.

“She was put on a course of antibiotics and painkillers in our care and we kept her off water to allow her wounds to heal properly.

“Once her wounds were healing and she was feeding well she went on to a wet pool and once given the all clear by our vet she went outside into one of our swan paddocks where she was able to join another recuperating swan.

“Being a flock animal, swans do much better when kept with other swans.”

Mr Sneddon said the swan was released with her new companion at a privately-owned nature reserve where they will be support fed until they choose to go their own way.

Inspector Sarah Gregory, who rescued the swan and is leading the investigation into the attack, said: “I am very glad this swan has made a full recovery and been released at a safe site following her terrible ordeal.

“Sadly, the swan’s mate was found dead at the same time but we have recently received the results of a postmortem which do not show anything linking the death to intentional trauma or a bow and arrow attack.”

The person responsible for shooting the female swan has still not been traced and the SSPCA has issued another appeal for information.

Anyone who can help should call the animal helpline on 03000 999 999 or Police Scotland on 101.

The swan has been convalescing at the SSPCA’s Wildlife Rescue Centre.