A 12-month-old cygnet has been killed after it was reportedly knocked over by a van in Caerphilly town centre.
Ray Gravenor, from Caerphilly Bird Rescue, was called to Caerphilly Castle by Cadw to pick up the body of the young swan after staff initially thought it had flown into one of the castle turrets.
However, Mr Gravenor was then told that a witness had seen a van reverse over the bird next to NatWest bank, off Cardiff Road, at around 2pm on Monday, December 21.
He said: “It’s not right. Whoever it was should have slowed down, got out the van and moved it. They are slow birds and won’t move.”
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: “We are very concerned and shocked to hear about this alleged incident and would urge anyone with information to contact the police who are leading on this, or to call our 24-hour Cruelty Helpline on 0300 1234 999.
“Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals could face a maximum sentence of six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine.”
Caerphilly Sergeant Sarah Greening added: “We can confirm that a report of a road traffic incident involving a vehicle and an unknown species of bird was reported to us at 10.17am today, Tuesday December 22.
“The incident allegedly took place yesterday, Monday December 21, at an unconfirmed time on Cardiff Road, Caerphilly, in the vicinity of NatWest bank and Glamor’s cafe.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log number 114 22/12/15.”
Wild unmarked mute swans belong to the Crown, and as such those taking or killing a swan could be prosecuted for theft or criminal damage.
A gross over reaction from Ray Gravenor, the RSPCA and Caerphilly Observer. From reading the rather poorly written article it appears the bird was injured following a collision with a vehicle and sadly died somewhere within the grounds of Caerphilly Castle. It was not actually knocked down and killed on the road, and was not deliberately targeted as the article tries to make out. It is sad that such a beautiful bird was killed in such circumstances but this happens from time to time when animals venture onto the public highway.
Recently a Turkish man in Kent was prosecuted for killing and eating a swan, he was fined £110, so the quotes of a £20’000 fine and 6 months in prison are frankly utter rubbish and have been quoted merely to sensationalise the story, I’m sure the van driver meant no harm and probably didn’t even know that they had hit the swan.
That’s what I was thinking.