SENSELESS slayers have struck again, killing much-loved local wildlife. Can't they leave things alone?

Two mute swans on an Atherton pond have become the latest victims of gun-happy morons popping off harmless creatures for fun.

Heartless people like them are downright despicable.

The breeding pair of swans were spotted floating on the "Lucky Hollow" pond in Old Hall Mill Lane last Thursday. Not so fortunate a home for them.

How anyone can be so callous and cruel is beyond me, and I'm sure anyone with an ounce of feeling.

What harm do these beautiful creatures do to deserve such a shabby end?

I'm no gun lover, and would ban anyone caught killing any dumb animal from keeping them for life.

Why the macho men who must carry guns can't stick to target and clay pigeon shooting I'll never understand.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.