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Shot swans make good recovery
A family of swans targeted in a brutal airgun attack in West Lothian are making a remarkable recovery in Scottish SPCA care.
The male and female swan and their cygnet have been receiving treatment at our Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fife after they were shot and severely injured at Dedridge Pond, Livingston, over the weekend of 22 and 23 October.
Affectionately known as Edna and Eck, the adult swans were treated at Inglis Vets in Dunfermline. Edna was found to have at least 14 airgun pellets in her head and neck and Eck had been shot four times. Vets were able to successfully remove eight pellets from the swans in total.
Wildlife Rescue Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, "Despite their severe injuries, which were initially feared to be life threatening, Edna and Eck are progressing well.
"Unfortunately some of the airgun pellets are lodged in areas of the head and body which are extremely hard to access and remove without causing potential spinal injury. Therefore the vets have decided to leave some of the pellets in the body.
"Against all odds the swans are pulling through and their cygnet, who was lucky enough to escape any shots, is also doing very well.
"They are now enjoying some gentle exercise in our paddock and pond and all three are proving to be very resilient birds.
"Why anyone would want to injure or kill a defenceless family of swans is beyond belief. We are just glad that we have been able to help them recover from this horrific ordeal."
The swans will remain in our care until they are fully fit and strong enough to be returned to the wild.
We are continuing to track down the perpetrator and urging anyone with information to contact its Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999, Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be provided anonymously.
We support a total ban on the use of airguns in Scotland because we continue to deal with a high level of sickening airgun attacks on animals. Domestic cats are the most common target, but wildlife such as swans, seagulls and deer are frequently reported maimed or killed.