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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Mark Tovey

Swans decapitated amid rising attacks against waterfowl in England and Wales

A family of mute swans and cygnets on the River Thames in Windsor, Berkshire
Devon and Cornwall recorded three separate incidents of swans being decapitated. Photograph: Maureen McLean/Shutterstock

Nine decapitated swans are among the victims of a rising number of sadistic attacks against waterfowl, according to police data.

Police recorded a 59% increase in crimes against swans, ducks and geese from 2020 to 2022. The crimes ranged from fireworks and BB guns being shot into duck ponds to swans and geese being strangled and beheaded.

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