Volunteers patrol London parks after six swans found 'stabbed and beheaded’
WARNING: Graphic content
Volunteers have taken to patrolling London parks after six swans, including three cygnets, were reportedly found stabbed and beheaded.
The patrols, including local volunteers, have been set up after the “grisly finds” of mutilated bodies in Thamesmead in the last month.
Two mute swans were found beheaded in Birchmere Park in November and another swan was also killed in Southmere Lake, the RSPCA said as it launched an investigation.
Inspector Nick Wheelhouse said: “Park wardens have informed me that they’re aware of the deaths of three swans, three cygnets and one Canada Goose so far in recent weeks.
“It’s really concerning because the birds seem to have been stabbed and then beheaded, with their bodies left beside the water.
“While it’s a serious animal welfare concern, it’s also really upsetting for any of the park users who make the grisly find.”
MOST READ ON YAHOO UK TODAY
Santa to the rescue! Watch this heroic Father Christmas help up woman who slipped on road
Barking mad! Woman risks her life running into freezing sea to rescue stranded dog
Miracle baby first in UK to survive being born with heart OUTSIDE body
Dog owner jailed for four years after pet savagely attacked 12 children in playground
Britain’s favourite Quality Street and Roses have been revealed ahead of Christmas
He added: “Neighbourhood wardens are now patrolling the area. And locals are so concerned about the birds that they’ve set up a patrol group to protect them, with various volunteers patrolling the area at night.”
All wild mute swans in Britain are considered to be the property of the Crown and it is an offence to kill one.
Swans have statutory protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and anyone found guilty of trying to injure a wild bird, or kill or take it without a licence, can face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
