THREE animal welfare supporters incensed by a senseless airgun attack which resulted in a swan being put down, have offered a £200 reward to help catch the culprits.
After reading reports in the Brecon and Radnor that a vets were unable to save the swan, found with 21 pellets in its head at Begwns, near Monk’s Pond, a Brecon couple and a man from Hereford, who don’t want to be named, decided to act.
They are offering a £200 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the attacker.
The woman told the Brecon and Radnor that her and her husband are regular supporters of animal welfare charities and were compelled to act.
"We try to support a couple of charities this time of year, including those relating to animal welfare," she said. "So we have decided to offer a £100 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the person(s).
"Dyfed Powys Police put us in touch with another gentleman who wished to do the same, in effect doubling the reward on offer."
We reported in early December that the swan was found by a dog-walker at Begwns, between Glasbury and Painscastle, with horrifying injuries at about 11am on Wednesday, December 1.
A local woman, who requested anonymity, said the swan was found by her husband: "He called Hay vets for help, and they quickly sent out someone who waded out to get the swan and took it back to the vets."
Despite being rushed to Hay Veterinary Group (HVG), shocked vets were unable to save the swan.
Kate Platt, a partner at HVG, said: "We euthanised the swan that had been shot with the airgun." All members of the practice team were both shocked and saddened to see what had happened to this beautiful bird."
Police are still investigating the matter. Those found to be responsible could face a fine of up to £5,000 and/or a maximum jail sentence of six month. UK Law makes them a protected species aunder an ancient charter and they are considered property of the Queen.
Sergeant Craig Morgan, of Dyfed Powys Police, said: "Officers in Hay-on-Wye are carrying out enquiries into this incident. I would urge any member of our community who knows who is responsible for this crime to please come forward and tell us by calling 101."