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Swan found with gunshot to its head

RSPCA The swan, photographed by the vet, showing its wounded beakRSPCA
The swan was discovered with a fishing line wrapped around its legs, mouth and neck

The RSPCA is calling for tighter controls and improved safety training for air guns after a swan was found with a pellet in its head.

As well as the pellet, which suggested the swan has been the victim of a potentially "deliberate" air gun attack, it was discovered with fishing litter lodged in its mouth, neck, and wrapped around its legs.

The swan was put down after rescuers tried to remove the fishing hook from its neck but found it had penetrated the oesophagus causing an extensive infection which could not be treated.

The RSPCA in Wales said over the past four years, it had received more than 600 reports about animals that were found severely injured or dead as a result of carelessly discarded litter.

RSPCA X-ray results of the swanRSPCA
An X-ray discovered a fishing hook lodged in the swans throat, as well as the pellet from an air gun in its head

The swan was discovered by a member of the public in a pond nearby Cefn Golau, Tredegar, on 23 May.

Christine McNeil, a RSPCA inspector, said: "This is very sad, as this poor swan had really been through some bad luck.

"He was also on the pond with a female swan and two very young cygnets - and was luckily spotted clearly in distress by a member of the public who contacted the RSPCA.

"He had a fishing line around his leg - which I was able to remove, but he also had fishing line coming from his mouth.

"In addition, a pellet in his head suggested he had been subjected to an air gun attack.

"This must have caused significant pain and distress when it occurred and is also very concerning that this may have been a deliberate attack on this defenceless animal.

"Sadly the damage it had caused was untreatable due to an extensive infection in the neck."

Swan and cygnets in a lake
The RSPCA said about 40% of all rubbish-related calls were about animals that had become caught in fishing litter

The RSPCA said wildlife are often the target of air rifle attacks, as they are out in the open with no one to protect them.

About 40% of all litter-related calls to the RSPCA across England and Wales in 2023 were about animals that had become caught in fishing litter.

Ms McNeil added: “We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind.

"Most anglers are very responsible when disposing of their litter, but it only takes one piece of snagged line to be left in a tree or dropped near the water to endanger the life of an animal."