Gun attack swan was used as 'target practice'

Four pellets lodged in the swan's head and one in her leg after she was shot at while nesting near the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal at Radcliffe on Monday evening (June 15).

Several children with an air-rifle were seen by local people shooting at a swan. They contacted the green watch at Whitefield Fire Station who turned out to rescue the stricken bird.

It had fled along the canal and was spotted cowering in reeds close to Sion Street.

They used a canoe to get close to the injured swan and plucked it to safety.

Leading fireman Kevin Tomlinson said: "The swan had been shot in the head and body and was in a dazed state. I don't think we would have managed to get it to safety if it had been healthier."

RSPCA Inspector Brian Oxley said: "It was a barbaric attack on the swan. It is obvious that she was being used for target practice."

"The vet and the staff at the surgery were sickened by what they saw."

The swan is being tube-fed due to the swelling caused by the gunshot wounds. Mr Oxley is hopeful, though, that she will survive.

"Unbelievably she made it through the first night, and she is looking more perky.

"There will be difficulties in removing the pellets because they are in the head and close to the brain - but we are hoping for the best."

The bird was looked after by a local vet at first but has now been transferred to an RSPCA sanctuary in Cheshire.

"She will be released back in the wild but not back into Radcliffe where she can again be targeted by an air-rifle," said Mr Oxley angrily.

Only last week the swan's mate died after suspected lead poisoning. This week the cruel actions by the youths resulted in the loss of the swan's seven cygnets after she was forced to abandon her nest in an attempt to escape the shots.

Witnesses to the attack are asked to contact Whitefield Police on 0161 872 5050.

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