Swan is back in the air after being shot with an arrow
A swan which was shot with an arrow has made a full recovery and been released at a protected site by the Scottish SPCA.
The animal welfare charity nurtured the bird through the healing process at its National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross after it underwent emergency surgery by a vet.
The SSPCA and Police Scotland were alerted after the female bird was discovered last month having been shot through the wing with an arrow which narrowly missed her vital organs and spine.
Manager Colin Seddon said: “The swan came to us with the arrow having already been removed by a vet. 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.
“After a week outside and once the weather conditions were suitable, she was released along with her new companion at a privately owned nature reserve on the River Tay, where the wild swans are support fed until they choose to disperse and go their own way.”
Inspector Sarah Gregory, who rescued the swan at Wemyss Estate in Kirkcaldy 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 post- mortem which do not show anything linking the death to intentional trauma or a bow and arrow attack.
“Despite our public appeal following the cruel and mindless attack on the female swan, we have not yet traced the perpetrator and we would still urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Those with information should contact the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 or Police Scotland on 101.