A POLICE investigation has been launched after two baby swans were shot.
On October 3, a large cygnet was found dead in Hoyle Mill Ponds at Dearne Valley Park.
The following day a second was found dead with gunshot wounds to the body.
It’s believed that since then a third has gone missing.
Police are working with the RSPCA to find those responsible and are urging residents with any information to get in touch.
RSPCA chief inspector for South Yorkshire, Lynsey Harris, said: “It is absolutely disgusting that someone has purposefully targeted and killed these beautiful young birds who would have brought a lot of joy to people visiting this park.
“We’d appeal to anyone with first-hand knowledge about this cruel incident to contact either ourselves or the police.”
All wild birds - including swans - are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take them except under licence.
The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
Anyone with any information should call 101, quoting incident number 374 of October 14.
