A number of swans appear to have been attacked with a slingshot or catapult in recent months By Victoria Munro
Stock image (credit: Pixabay/Helmut Stirnweis)
Police are investigating after a swan was seemingly shot with a ball bearing in Walthamstow Wetlands last week.
In a statement this morning, local police said the swan “suffered significant facial and neck injuries” on 28th October, “likely caused by ball bearings fired from a weapon”.
On 30th September, London Wildlife Trust (LWT), which manages the nature reserve, received reports of two other swans seemingly injured with a slingshot and, three days later, found a third swan dead.
Speaking at the time, a spokesperson said it was the second such incident reported to them so far this year.
They said: “Such incidents are very distressing for our visitors, volunteers and staff. The incident has been reported to the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit.
“We urge visitors at our reserves to continue to report such incidents, while taking care not to put themselves at risk.”
Regarding the most recent incident, a local police spokesperson said: “The injuries are believed to have been deliberate, likely caused by ball bearings fired from a weapon.
“If you have any info, please call 101, CAD 2903 29/10/2022.”
The previously injured birds were taken in and are being cared for by charity The Swan Sanctuary.
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