AN APPEAL has been launched after a swan was killed by a crossbow and found near to the Clackmannanshire Bridge.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the bird was discovered with an unexplained wound to the back of its head on 21 February.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted after the swan was found on a walkway along the shore that runs between the Clackmannanshire and Kincardine Bridge, with a suspected crossbow bolt shot wound.

Robyn Gray, Scottish SPCA Inspector, said: “The swan was discovered along the shore between Clackmannanshire and Kincardine Bridge with a wound to the head. Post mortem results revealed the swan was likely shot with a crossbow.

“We aren’t sure how the swan came to be on the shore. The body may have been dumped there or could have been washed ashore.

“We believe this was a cruel and mindless attack and this sort of animal cruelty is completely unacceptable. We are urging people with any information to contact our animal helplinein an effort to trace whoever is responsible.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.