Swan shot with catapult in Edinburgh

A swan has been injured and a gull has died after they were shot with a catapult in Edinburgh.

The SPCA is appealing for information after a swan was injured and a gull killed by a catapult at a pond at Forth Quarter Park in Edinburgh on 22 July.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Fiona Thorburn said: “We received a call from a member of the public on Saturday reporting an injured swan. The witness had seen a number of teenagers firing a catapult at the swan.

“The swan was struck in the head so hard they were knocked unconscious but they came round and started swimming away. However, the bird’s head was still bleeding and they were struggling to keep it up.

“When we attended we saw the swan but were unable to catch them to assess their injuries. Sadly, we also found a gull that had been killed by a ball bearing to the head and we are now concerned that the swan may have a similar wound.

“This was a deliberate attack on wildlife, causing suffering, injury and death. We have reported this incident to the police but if anyone has any information that could help us piece together what happened to the swan and gull, we would ask that they contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”