RSPCA launch appeal after woman strangles swan to death in park

The RSPCA is appealing for witnesses after a swan was strangled to death by a woman in a park.
A photo of the swan killed in a park. Image: RSPCAA photo of the swan killed in a park. Image: RSPCA
A photo of the swan killed in a park. Image: RSPCA

Police and the animal welfare charity were contacted by a member of the public who saw the swan being attacked by a woman in Chester Park, Chester-le-Street, on Thursday evening, May 30.

RSPCA Inspector Trevor Walker, who is now investigating, said: “Police were initially called by a member of the public who saw a woman grab the swan, straddle the bird and wring its neck.

A photo of the swan killed in a park. Image: RSPCAA photo of the swan killed in a park. Image: RSPCA
A photo of the swan killed in a park. Image: RSPCA
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"Officers attended the scene, where they found the adult swan dead - with a soft tissue injury consistent with being strangled - and spoke to two women in connection with the incident.

"The bird’s body was removed by council workers and we were contacted to investigate.

"This sounds like an extremely upsetting incident and this attack has led to the unnecessary, tragic death of a beautiful bird.

"I’d like to hear from anybody who was in the park at around 7pm on Thursday evening and who may have seen the incident or the women involved."

The swan killed by a passer-by. Image: RSPCAThe swan killed by a passer-by. Image: RSPCA
The swan killed by a passer-by. Image: RSPCA
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The RSCPA has released images of the dead bird in a bid to help track down witnesses.

Insp Walker, said: "Anyone with information which could aid our investigation can contact our appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave me a message.”

Swans are protected and it is illegal to kill one of these birds. Anyone caught deliberately trying to injure, kill or take a wild bird without a licence, can face up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.