Swan put down after being shot in the face
SuppliedA swan which had been shot several times has been put down after being found bloodied and injured.
Rachel Wilson, who runs the animal rescue service Rachel's Wildlife in Barrow, said the swan was discovered covered in blood at Cavendish Dock and an X-ray revealed three pellets from an air rifle in the bird's head and neck.
Wilson said it appeared as if it had been shot several hours before, adding: "It's so upsetting because they're such a beautiful creature."
Cumbria Police said officers were investigating the shooting.
Wilson said it was "absolutely devastating" that someone had done this to the animal.
She said a decision was made to put the swan down after it was discovered one of the pellets was so embedded into its bone that it could not be removed without causing more damage.
The animal rescuer added that people did not have the right to hurt animals, which "have a right to be here just as much as we do".