A defenceless swan was killed after being shot 10 times with an air rifle.
The bird was found lying lifeless in Burntwood, Staffordshire, with a whole in his neck after the ‘prolonged attack’ on March 30.
RSPCA rescuers tried to save the swan, but he was so badly injured he had to be put to sleep.
Later, X-rays found the swan had air gun pellets lodged in his wings, chest, legs, tail and beak.
The RSPCA is now appealing for information.