Police are investigating after a cygnet was believed to have been shot with a ball bearing projectile in a Northumberland park. The youngster was part of a family of swans that delighted residents and visitors to Carlisle Park in Morpeth over the summer months.
The bird was taken for treatment to Blyth wildlife trust and the ball bearing was removed from its beak. Northumbria Police officers believe the injury may have been caused deliberately.
A spokeswoman for the force said: “On Monday, November 4, we received an online report of an injured swan cygnet in the New Market area of Morpeth. It was believed that the cygnet had sustained an injury to its beak.
“Blyth Wildlife Rescue attended and took the cygnet for treatment. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the bird’s injuries, which we believe could be deliberate.
“Anyone with information is asked to get in touch by sending us a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or report form function on our website. Those who can’t contact us online, should call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20251104-0512.”
Wildlife protection
All wild swans are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside 1981. It is a criminal offence to intentionally kill or injure a swan. Penalties under the Act can include significant fines or even imprisonment.
Furthermore, unmarked mute swans on open water traditionally belong to the Crown under the Royal Prerogative, meaning harming a Crown swan could be considered both wildlife offence and criminal damage.
Blyth Wildlife Rescue is a dedicated rescue and rehabilitation charity that treats and cares for injured wild animals across the county. The charity has confirmed the cygnet is likely to make a full recovery.
Comment by Blyth Wildlife Rescue
A spokesperson said: “Following several reports from local residents regarding an injured mute swan on the River Wansbeck, medics attended and quickly managed to secure the bird before transporting it back to the centre for first aid. The cygnet was presented with a ball-bearing shot embedded in the upper mandible of the bird’s beak.
“This type of projectile is typically fired from a catapult at the birds; such actions constitute a wildlife crime under UK law. We are pleased to report the shot was removed without surgery and is likely to heal well with supportive care and treatment.
“We extend our thanks to those who reported the bird in need of attention – even at the point of rescue, onlookers were staggered to find out the bird had been shot, with many missing the projectile lodged in the bird’s beak.”
Councillor comment
Morpeth Kirkhill councillor Richard Wearmouth branded the alleged act “absolutely disgusting”. He said: “It is desperately sad to see what appears to be the shooting of a swan on the River Wansbeck.
“Everyone has taken extraordinary delight in seeing the family of swans grow up on the river this year. That somebody would do something like this is absolutely disgusting.
“On behalf of all county and town councillors, in Morpeth, I would ask that anybody who has any information comes forward and reports it to either us or the police directly so action can be taken against the perpetrators.”
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