Police are investigating the death of a swan at Hendre Lakes in the St Mellons area of Cardiff after the bird was reported to have been shot with ball bearings. South Wales Police said the incident occurred on Monday and local neighbourhood officers have been patrolling the beauty spot as inquiries continue.
Officers seek information from local community
In a brief statement the force said they were aware of the swan dying following an incident at the lakes and that their local policing team was attempting to identify those responsible. The statement added:
"It is understood that the swan had been shot at with ball bearings."
Police asked anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or who has information to contact them to assist with enquiries. No arrests have been reported publicly at this stage.
Legal protections and implications
Mute swans and other native wild swans have longstanding protections in UK law and under historic rights associated with the Crown. Intentionally injuring or killing a wild swan is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and such cases can be investigated as wildlife crime as well as offences involving cruelty to animals.
- Location: Hendre Lakes, St Mellons, Cardiff
- Incident: Swan found dead; believed to have been shot with ball bearings
- Police action: Local neighbourhood team patrolling and investigating
The loss of wildlife in public green spaces is likely to cause concern among local residents and visitors who use the lakes for recreation. Hendre Lakes is known locally as a family-friendly area for walking and wildlife watching, and such incidents can deter visitors and disturb the local ecosystem.
What residents can do
Officers encouraged anyone with mobile phone footage, dashcam or doorbell camera recordings from the area around the time of the incident, or anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour, to contact South Wales Police. Timely information can be crucial to establishing what happened and identifying those involved.
| What happened | What police are doing |
|---|---|
| Swan found dead after suspected shooting | Patrolling the site; appealing for witnesses |
Anyone with information should contact South Wales Police through the usual non-emergency channels or report anonymously via Crimestoppers. The force’s prompt enquiries will be watched closely by residents who use Hendre Lakes and those concerned about wildlife protection in Cardiff.
