Swan and dove shot
Aswan shot six times and a collared dove killed with a crossbow are just two of thousands of wild animals deliberately hurt by humans in the UK, shocking new figures have revealed.
The RSPCA has received almost 10,000 reports of intentional cruelty in the last five years - and cases surge in summer.
In one horrific incident, a hedgehog was stoned to death.
A bat roost in Northampton was sprayed with chemicals until all the creatures died. The swan was shot in Wrexham. Other animals being abused include deer, pigeons, foxes, badgers, hares and gulls.
RSPCA Head of Wildlife Adam Grogan said: “We are seeing wild animals badly injured or killed by being beaten, mutilated, poisoned, or shot for ‘fun’.
“Our data shows that reports of cruelty to wildlife surged over last summer.”
Report cruelty to police or call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. Donate to its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign at www.rspca.org.uk/stopcruelty.