Recently in the parks of South London swans have been the centre of attention, however it seems to be for the wrong reasons.
It has appeared to be that six swans of which are Cygnets and Mute swans beeing mysteriously stabbed and beheaded. The evidence found was their bodies laying by the side of the water left in this state.
It has inspired local volunteers to form patrol squads in the parks to protect these beautiful and harmless creatures.
There was another incident that occured in Birchmere park back in November of another swan being killed in Southmere lake. this hindered the start of the investigation. It is illegal to harm birds and due to Mute swans being kept under the Queen's royal protection.
To help with the investigation, locals backed by the charity have set up 24 hour patrols in bids to try and catch the murder. The metropolitan police siad they were also on the case helping the RSPCA.
In 1981 when the wildlife and countryside act occured, anyonr prosecuted for deliberately trying to harm or take a wild bird can face up to 6 months in prison and potentialy a fine up to the mount of £5,000.
Hearing about these kinds of stories can be upsetting, for example Amelia Smith from Putney said "why would anyone ever want to hurt these beautiful animals?" she is in fact right, it appears to be very mysterious. PSPCA inspector said how it was extremely concerning as the birds had appeared to be stabbed as well as beheaded with their bodies left beside the water. The dead swans could also effect the localers using the park.
