Two swans are fighting for life in a Fife wildlife sanctuary after suffering a brutal airgun attack.
The male and female are being cared for at Middlebank Wildlife Centre near Dunfermline and were described as being in a ”stable” condition.
At least 14 pellets were lodged in the head and body of the female swan, which suffered the worst injuries. She has been given the name Edna. A vet removed three pellets on Wednesday but some are thought to be too near the bird’s spine to be safely removed.
Four airgun pellets were removed from the male swan, which is called Eck. A cygnet was also caught up in the attack but escaped without injury.
The Scottish SPCA was called to the swans’ rescue at Dedridge Pond in Livingston, on Monday. It is believed they were targeted over the weekend.
Two weeks earlier another cygnet, believed to be from the same family, was found dead at the pond.
Connie O’Neill, who helped rescue the birds, said: ”This was a deliberate and cruel attack on a family of defenceless swans.”
A £1,000 reward has been offered by an anonymous donor for information leading to the attackers’ conviction.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.