Police appeal for information after six swans found beheaded
Devon and Cornwall Police wildlife crime officers are investigating after six mute swans were found dead in Restronguet Creek, Devoran in Cornwall.
PC Barry Nicholas was initially alerted to two dead mute swans by a member of the public who had seen the bodies on mudflats opposite Greenbank Road. Closer inspection revealed the birds to have been beheaded.
A search around the area led to the discovery of a further four mute swan carcasses in various states of decomposition.
PC Paul Freestone, wildlife crime officer for Cornwall said: “At this time we have no way of knowing how these swans died but the fact that they have had their heads removed leads us to believe that they were killed illegally.”
PC Nicholas added: “Killing a mute swan would constitute an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and I would encourage anyone who has any information regarding the deaths of these birds to contact the wildlife crimes team.”
Anyone with any information about these incidents are asked to ring Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 quoting ref: GT/13/1987, alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
For more information about wildlife crime in Devon and Cornwall go to: http://www.dandcwildlifecrimesgroup.blogspot.co.uk/.
