The RSPCA is appealing for information after two swans died following an attack with ball bearings fired from a catapult in King’s Lynn.
One of the swans was found dead, while the second was put to sleep by vets because its injuries were so severe.
The attack was described by RSPCA inspector Dean Astillberry, as “one of the worst types of deliberate cruelty I have dealt with this year”.
The RSPCA is now investigating the attacks and appealing to anyone who may have any information regarding who was responsible for the birds’ deaths.
It was initially contacted about an injured swan in the water in a drainage ditch in the King’s Avenue area on 8 October.
Inspector Astillberry took the injured bird to the RSPCA’s East Winch Wildlife Centre where it was examined by a vet who found it had a fractured skull and put it to sleep to prevent further suffering. X-rays of the bird’s skull revealed the swan had been shot with a ball bearing likely fired from a catapult.
Another dead swan had been spotted in the water at the same location and so this body was also collected by the RSPCA.
The body was also taken to East Winch to be x-rayed and this too had been shot with a ball bearing – which had entered the rear of the swan’s neck.
RSPCA inspector Astillberry said: “This is just shocking that two beautiful birds have been targeted in this way.
“These birds would have suffered horribly as a result of this attack, and it is a shocking crime.
“Wild birds feel pain, fear and distress, and deserve our care and respect. Deliberately harming them causes immense suffering and can have devastating consequences for both individual animals and local wildlife populations.”
“I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how small, to contact me on the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01921836.
“I would like to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area – or has heard of people deliberately targeting wildlife with catapults.”
The RSPCA has received its highest number of summer cruelty reports involving wild birds in five years – with lethal weapons such as catapults, slingshots and airguns being used in the horrific attacks.
Figures from the animal welfare charity show that 359 incidents involving wild birds were reported during July and August 2025 across England and Wales – almost double the 179 reports received during the same period in 2024, and the highest summer total recorded in the past five years.
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is illegal to deliberately kill, injure or take one, except under licence; any permitted lethal control must involve more humane methods. Anyone found contravening this could face up to six months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Images: RSPCA
