**Police Launch Investigation After Series of Disturbing Attacks on Swans Along West Wales Canals**
Authorities in South Wales have launched an urgent investigation following a disturbing sequence of attacks on swans and other waterfowl across the Neath Canal and surrounding waterways. Over the past three to four years, these waterways—stretching from Glynneath to Melincryddan—have witnessed repeated incidents that have left birds dead, severely injured, or traumatised. The shocking nature and apparent cruelty of these assaults has prompted both local animal welfare organisations and the RSPCA to speak out in horror.
Swan Rescue Wales, a volunteer-run charity working closely with police on these cases, has detailed heartbreaking scenes of violence against swans. Vanessa Price, one of the leading volunteers, recounted a string of especially distressing episodes dating back to October 2021. In a particularly cruel incident, a cygnet’s life was tragically cut short when a brick was hurled from a bridge, breaking the young bird’s back before it drowned. This, Vanessa explained, was only the beginning; other attacks have involved slingshot ball bearings, air rifle pellets, heavy stones, and even targeted beatings with sticks.
Visual evidence provided by rescuers highlights the brutality of the attacks. Graphic images—some too distressing for casual viewers—reveal the injuries inflicted on the birds, such as gunshot wounds, broken wings, and bloodied faces. One swan was found with a pellet embedded in an essential bone beneath her beak, surviving only by the narrowest of margins after being x-rayed and treated by volunteers. The scale of the violence inflicted has shocked even seasoned rescuers, who say the animals display noticeable behavioural changes from their traumatic experiences.
The violence has not been restricted to swans alone. Vanessa Price noted that ducks, moorhens, and pigeons have also fallen victim along both the Neath Canal and its neighbouring Tennant canal. While recovering the bodies of smaller birds has proved more difficult, numerous cases point to a pattern of targeted cruelty against wildfowl in the region. Some of these attacks have led to the loss of entire swan families—such as a female left for dead with a broken wing, ultimately requiring euthanasia and leaving her partner to care for a brood of seven cygnets alone.
Notably, one case reported in May 2023 illustrated the devastation wrought not just on adult birds but also on their prospects for the next generation. A nesting female was fatally shot in the head with what is believed to be an air rifle. Her seven eggs, just weeks from hatching, were stolen, and her mate was left battered but managed to survive. Such callous acts have prompted anger and dismay throughout the community.
Swan Rescue Wales now receives dozens of calls each week, with around one in ten related directly to violent attacks. Incidents have occurred at recognised hotspots including the Giant’s Grave and Axis Court Pond, while reports have started to come in from even wider afield—including Somerset, Powys, and Conwy County. Despite regular patrols and investigations, South Wales Police have yet to identify any suspects, and note that there is no evidence to link these incidents to a single individual.
RSPCA representatives have condemned the attacks as “intentional cruelty”, expressing deep concern that the perpetrators seem to derive satisfaction from inflicting pain on defenceless animals. “It’s appalling to consider that anyone could take pleasure in targeting living creatures that feel pain just as we do,” a spokesperson said. “Wildlife deserves our respect and kindness.” They are urging anyone with knowledge about these attacks to step forward, highlighting that all wild birds are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Those found guilty of harming them can face up to six months in jail and unlimited fines.
South Wales Police have emphasised their commitment to thoroughly investigating each report, working in close partnership with the RSPCA, Swansea Council, and Neath Port Talbot Council. Officers reiterate that it is an offence to injure or kill a swan, and urge the public to report anything suspicious directly either to the police or the RSPCA inspectorate.
For the rescuers on the frontline, the emotional toll is evident. “After years working with these swans, you get to know their unique personalities,” Vanessa Price shared. “It’s devastating to lose them to such needless cruelty. These animals face plenty of challenges in nature as it is—human interference should never be one of them.” Her message is clear: respect and safeguard our local wildlife, for their continued survival rests on the community valuing their right to live in peace.
Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or South Wales Police on 101.