Swan family shot dead over ‘royal symbolism’
‘Anti-establishment bullies’ blamed for killing adult pair and five cygnets
A family of swans killed in an airgun attack were targeted because they are a “symbol of the establishment”, a veterinary sanctuary has claimed.
The carcasses of five cygnets and both of their parents were found wrapped in plastic bags on the bank of a stream in Benenden, Kent. Stephen Knight, of the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton, Surrey, said the royal birds were often targeted because of their association with the Queen.
A FAMILY of swans killed in an airgun attack were targeted because they are a “symbol of the establishment”, a veterinary sanctuary has claimed.
The carcasses of five cygnets and both of their parents were found wrapped in plastic bags thrown down the bank of a stream in Benenden, Kent.
Police were called to the scene and the RSPCA is investigating. It has now released X-ray images showing one of the birds was peppered with pellets or shot.
Stephen Knight, a trustee of the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton, Surrey, said the royal birds were often targeted because of their association with the Queen, who owns all the unmarked swans in England and Wales that swim in open water.
Mr Knight said: “It is widely known that they belong to the Crown, so they are a symbol of the establishment. It’s not uncommon, unfortunately, that they get shot. The kind of people who do this are faceless bullies with no moral compass.” He said that attacks on swans come in batches, adding: “Someone once posted a gag that was titled ‘How to upset the Queen’. It included a picture of a gun and swan, which was locked in a cage. After that, we saw a little spike in shootings.
“You also get things being shared on social media, which is quite frightening.”
Two carcasses were examined by staff at RSPCA Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre in Hastings, East Sussex.
Dave Grant, an RSPCA inspector, said: “I’m keen to find out who is responsible for this senseless attack on this family of swans.
“It’s clear that these poor mute swans have been shot and killed deliberately – one was peppered with pellets.
“It’s absolutely disgusting that someone would purposefully target and kill these beautiful birds, and it’s heartbreaking that an entire family has been wiped out in this cruel incident.”
Pc Daniel Perry said: “Kent Police were called around 10am on Nov 24 to a report that a number of swans were found dead in plastic bags by a stream. Officers from the rural task force attended to carry out inquiries at the scene, and are continuing to assist the RSPCA to establish the circumstances of the incident.”
The RSPCA is calling for better regulation of air weapons after receiving 884 calls reporting airgun attacks on animals across England and Wales last year.
It said that last year there were 51 calls from Kent alerting it to wild animals and cats injured or killed by air guns.
Mr Knight described the UK’S laws as “absolutely disgusting”, adding: “I am in my 60s. When I was a child, I don’t think an air rifle would have broken a bottle. But today, they could kill you. They are so powerful.”
It is legal for anyone above the age of 14 to shoot an airgun without supervision on private land where permission has been given.