An investigation has been launched after a swan was shot eight times by someone with an air gun.

The incident is reported to have happened earlier this month in Canterbury, sparking the RSPCA to take action.

The swan was spotted by members of the public not moving by the edge of the River Stour near Kingsmead Road. One bullet was in his head.

RSPCA inspector Deborah Rutherford collected him on January 9 and took him to a local vet before he went to RSPCA Mallydams Wood for treatment.

She said: “He was spotted by the water edge not moving, people were approaching and touching him.

“When I picked him up he was unable to stand. I took him straight to Barton Vets in Canterbury, who were kind enough to check the swan with me and keep him overnight until we could get transport to RSPCA Mallydams the following morning.”

Ashleigh Peters, from Mallydams Wood, said it was initially thought the bird had eaten something he should not have and had stomach problems.

But after seeing an injury to his wing, he was x-rayed, and vets found eight air gun pellets inside him - in his body, legs, and one in his head.

Fortunately, the pellets didn’t cause any lasting harm and he was successfully released back into the wild on Wednesday, January 17.

Ms Rutherford added: “It’s wonderful that he recovered so quickly and was able to be released.

“But it’s incredibly sad he sustained these injuries in the first place. It is an offence to shoot airgun pellets at a wild animal. If anyone has information about this incident, we’d urge them to call 0300123 8018 quoting incident number 01206850.

“If you do see a wild animal in distress, it’s best to leave them alone and contact a local wildlife centre for advice.”

An RSPCA spokesperson added: “The RSPCA is continuing to call for stricter regulations around owning an air gun in both England and Wales.

“Better education, basic safety training for owners and a thorough explanation of the law - including our legal obligations towards animals - could help protect countless animals from such attacks in the future.”

Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.