Shot Cwmbran swan suffered devastating neck injuries

The swan was shot at Cwmbran Boating Lake and suffered severe injuries to its neck and jaw.

Swan Rescue South Wales volunteers were called to the lake at about 8.30am on November 3 after reports that a swan had been badly injured or attacked.

Peter Martin of Swan Rescue South Wales arrived at about 9.15am but could not catch the swan, so rescuers sought help on the water.

Mr Martin returned at about 1pm with Roz Eaton and Steve Hedley of Black Crow Paddleboarding, who provided cover on the water during the rescue.

Rescuers eventually cornered and caught the injured swan in the children’s play area, still unaware of what had hurt it. (Image: Roz Eaton/Swan Rescue South Wales)

Rescuers eventually cornered and caught the injured swan in the children’s play area, still unaware of what had hurt it.

The swan was taken to Kruger Vets in Cwmbran for pain relief and antibiotics, but X-rays revealed the full extent of its injuries.

The swan was taken to Kruger Vets in Cwmbran for pain relief and antibiotics, but X-rays revealed the full extent of its injuries. (Image: Roz Eaton/Swan Rescue South Wales)

Swan Rescue South Wales said two 8mm ball bearings were lodged in the swan’s jaw, with fragmented bone behind them and damage stretching around eight to nine inches along its neck.

Ms Eaton said: "Even if the swan had survived its injuries, the damage meant it would have been unable to feed."

The swan was euthanised.

Gwent Police confirmed that officers are investigating the incident.

A spokesperson said: "Officers are carrying out enquiries after receiving a report of an injured swan at Cwmbran Boating Lake, Llanfrechfa Way, Cwmbran, on Tuesday 3 November."

"Swan Rescue South Wales volunteers took the injured swan to the vets for treatment."

"Two ball bearings were removed and, sadly, the swan was humanely put down."

"Neighbourhood officers are patrolling the area and will be viewing CCTV opportunities to establish the circumstances."

"Anyone with information that could help, can call us on 101, direct message us on Facebook or X, or contact us via our website quoting log reference 2600359720."

Two ball bearings lodged in a swan’s jaw meant it would never have been able to feed again, rescuers have revealed (Image: Roz Eaton/Swan Rescue South Wales)

The details follow an earlier report by the South Wales Argus. Torfaen Council described the incident as distressing and said the swan had been shot in the neck with a ball bearing, possibly fired from a catapult.

The council warned that deliberately injuring or killing wildlife is a criminal offence and urged anyone with information to contact police.

This is not the first time swans at Cwmbran Boating Lake have been harmed. In 2019, Torfaen Council worked with anglers and Swan Rescue South Wales to clear discarded fishing line and litter after several swans were injured at the lake.

Police are seeking CCTV footage and information about how the swan was injured, and want anyone who saw anything at the lake to contact Gwent Police.

In 2019, several swans were rescued and a voluntary fishing ban was introduced while discarded fishing line and litter were removed from the lake.

Wildlife is protected by law, and anyone responsible can face prosecution and significant penalties.