Police are investigating after a baby swan was stoned to death by a group of young people in Bedford. The incident occurred on Friday at a pond in the Wixams area, and the cygnet later died from its injuries.
A witness reported the attack to Bedfordshire Police, who have launched an investigation. The force's North Bedfordshire Rural Community Policing unit said: 'An investigation has begun after a cygnet was killed in Wixams, yesterday (July 16). We understand and share the outrage that this unacceptable, criminal behaviour has caused in the community.'
Joanne Gullon, director of St Bede's Ford Swannery, expressed her shock at the attack. 'They didn't see the swan as a creature - I'm dumbfounded to be honest,' she said. 'People are very connected with wildlife... when things like this happen it's devastating.'
Ms Gullon called for those responsible to undergo a psychological assessment, stating: 'If you find pleasure out of killing a baby animal by effectively stoning it to death then there's something psychologically wrong with you.'
The RSPCA has urged anyone with information to contact the police. Bedfordshire Police are asking witnesses to call 101 or visit their website, quoting reference 40/37154/21.
