Cruel arrow attack on Fife swans

The birds were discovered on Saturday, March 19 at Wemyss Estate off Standing Stane Road.

Two arrows were also found in the water and on the bank of the water.

Sarah Gregory, Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “A female swan had been shot through the wing in a cruel and mindless attack believed to have occurred on Friday evening.

“The arrow narrowly missed her vital organs and spine. The swan underwent surgery at a vets and is now in the care of our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishrcoss.

“She is doing well and we are hopeful she will make a full recovery.

“We are currently awaiting post-mortem results to establish the cause of the male swan’s death so at this stage we cannot say for certain that he was shot.

“These swans are a pair who have been returning to the estate for several years and why anyone would want to injure or kill these defenceless birds is beyond all reasoning.

“The estate owners are assisting us with our enquiries and we are working with Police Scotland to track down the perpetrator.”

PC Lindsay Kerr, Fife Division Wildlife and Environmental Crime Officer, said: “Our investigation into this atrocious act is ongoing and I today appeal to anyone with relevant information to come forward. At this early stage of inquiry we cannot say for certain that the death of the male swan was deliberate however we are keeping an open mind to the possibility that both animals were targeted in a single incident.

“This sort of animal cruelty is completely unacceptable and we’re carrying out various lines of inquiry in an effort to trace and arrest whoever is responsible.

“I would urge anyone who knows who this person is or who has information that might assist with our investigation to contact police immediately.

“Wildlife and environmental crime is a key priority for Police Scotland and we work closely with several organisations, including the Scottish SPCA, in order to tackle such offences.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 or Police Scotland on 101.