Wildlife Crime Case Study

A group of youths was spotted kicking a swan in Northolt Park by a member of the public who then phoned the police. The swan was kicked to the ground before having its head stamped on. By the time the police arrived, the swan was dead and the perpetrators gone. The RSPCA, who opened an investigation, said the swan would have experienced a huge amount of pain and suffering in the vicious attack. Swans have special protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to intentionally injure, take or kill a wild swan. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 also prohibits any act that causes unnecessary suffering to animals.