A swan has been found dead in a Great Yarmouth park after being shot in the neck.
An RSPCA inspector was called to Bure Park on Saturday after the male swan was found.
The inspector discovered the swan had an air rifle pellet lodged in its neck.
Swans mate for life and the dead swan has left behind a female partner and six cygnets.
John Jenkins, RSPCA inspector, said: “People need to remember that shooting animals with weapons can have very serious consequences.
“This poor animal has died as a result of this attack and these weapons are potentially extremely dangerous for people as well.
“We would also like to remind members of the public that all wild birds, including swans, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to kill, injure or take them without a licence. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and an unlimited fine.”
Anyone who has any information about the swan and its death should contact the RSPCA’s cruelty line anonymously on 0300 1234 999.
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