Swan killed by canal yobs

A swan has been shot dead and another left seriously injured in the second horrific attack on the same Black Country canal in less than two months.

The birds were attacked along the Wyrley and Essington Canal in the Wednesfield area of Wolverhampton, prompting outrage from the RSPCA which is no longer returning swans to the waterway.

Two other swans were killed on the canal, which runs through Staffordshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton, in January. One was shot nine times.

It is believed the swans in yesterday's attack were also targeted with a pellet gun. It is understood the RSPCA was alerted by horrified passers-by in Moathouse Lane East.

RSPCA spokeswoman Judith Haw said today: "We are horrified by this latest news. The attacks are a massive problem along the canal. The surviving swan is having X-rays and we don't know how many pellets were shot at it."

The bird is receiving treatment at the Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, in Nantwich. Last year, the centre treated more than 70 birds for pellet injuries.

Pc Jason Garton, of Wednesfield police, said today the force had received a number of calls from canal walkers sickened by the "heartless" attack, and that patrols were being stepped up. "This was a pointless attack on two defenceless creatures made all the more poignant because they were a couple," he added."

Willenhall resident Tony Croton, aged 59, cycles along the canal almost everyday.

He said: "I can't understand why this wonderful free amenity cannot simply be appreciated and enjoyed. Why does it have to be polluted by the behaviour of this mindless idiot or idiots?"

In January another swan was left badly injured after being shot on the Willenhall section of the canal.

Anyone with information can call Wednesfield police on 0845 113 5000 or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.