A swan had to be put down after a senseless airgun attack left the animal with 21 pellets in its head.

The animal was rushed to the vets after being found by a local man who was out walking his dog on the Begwns, near Monk’s Pond – between Glasbury and Painscastle – last Thursday.

After being rushed to the vets for treatment, the animal was later put down due to the extent of its injuries.

A local woman, who requested anonymity, said the swan was found by her husband: “He saw two swans fly up from Monk’s Pool – the small lake near The Roundabout. As he got closer to the lake he saw there was another swan still on the frozen water.

“As he walked closer he realised the swan appeared to be injured, with blood on its head and breast. 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.

“They soon realised there was nothing that could be done for the bird as the injuries were extensive, so it had to be put to sleep,” she said.

Despite being rushed to Hay Veterinary Group (HVG), the severely injured swan could not be saved.

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 now investigating the matter.

Sergeant Craig Morgan, of Dyfed Powys Police, said: “To treat an animal in this way is absolutely appalling. 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.”

Killing a swan is an offence under UK law. The birds are also protected under ancient charter and are considered property of the Queen. Anyone liable for swan death or harm can be prosecuted for criminal damage.

A police spokeswoman confirmed the incident: “A severely injured swan was found at Monk’s Pond between Glasbury and Painscastle in Hay-on-Wye by a member of the public at around 11am on Wednesday, December 1.

“The swan was taken to Hay Veterinary Group but due to the extent of its injuries had to be put down. The swan had been shot 21 times in the head with what appears to be a pellet gun. Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating the incident.”