The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after two swans were cruelly shot and killed in Aberdeenshire.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Wednesday (23 March) when the dead birds were discovered on the beach at St. Combs in Fraserburgh.
Inspector Fiona Shand said, “The female swan had one shotgun pellet in her body and the male swan had four shotgun pellets in his.
“A post mortem has revealed the pair died from a massive haemorrhage caused by gunshot trauma.
“We don’t think the swans were residing at the beach but the Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve is nearby and swans are known to live there.
“We aren’t sure how they came to be on the beach. The bodies may have been dumped there or could have been washed ashore.
“This sort of animal cruelty is completely unacceptable and we are urging people with any information to contact us in an effort to trace whoever is responsible.”
Causing unnecessary suffering is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.