Anger as swans reported shot and one killed at Dudley pool

Dudley councillor Adam Aston and Dudley North MP Marco Longhi have both spoken out about the situation which Cllr Aston has described as “appalling”.

He told on Facebook how one of the swans at Parkes Hall Pool is believed to have been killed and the other left suffering an injury to its neck after being shot.

The Labour councillor said he had visited the site and could not see an injury on the lone swan present but he added: “There is certainly only swan remaining at the pool.”

The remaining swan in the pool (Image: Marco Longhi MP)

He told how there had been a mated pair of swans, who partner for life, at the pool for many years and he said he had contacted Severn Trent, owners of the pool, West Midlands Police and the countryside officer at Dudley Council to investigate the claims the birds were attacked.

He added: “If this is true, as a protected species this is a serious crime and absolutely appalling.”

Meanwhile, Conservative MP Mr Longhi said he too was alerted to reports of swans being harmed at the pool near Wren’s Nest Nature Reserve.

He added: “Tragically, one swan was killed and is still in the pool whilst the other has been injured by, what appears to be, a pellet gun. It’s devastating to see an innocent swan killed and the other in pain.”

Both he and Cllr Aston urged anyone with information about what happened to contact the police while Mr Longhi said he had asked if the remaining swan could be helped and relocated.

The RSPCA said it had not been contacted directly about the incident but a spokesperson for the charity which works to prevent cruelty to animals and wildlife said of the situation: “These reports are shocking. Targeting an animal in this way will cause this significant pain and suffering before death.

“We share our space with wildlife and they deserve our respect and kindness. Animals feel pain and it’s saddening to think that anyone could take pleasure from targeting a living creature.

“All wild birds are protected in law, and the maximum penalty for injuring or killing a wild bird is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

“We encourage anyone with information to report this.”

A spokesperson for Severn Trent, which is responsible for the pool, said: “This is a saddening display of antisocial behaviour. Police are now investigating and anyone with information should contact them directly.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We are aware of the incident after receiving a call shortly after 4.40pm on Wednesday.

“Anyone with any information should contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting log number 3561 of April 3.”