Can you help locate swan with crossbow bolt in neck near Islip?

Animal rescuers have been alerted to the plight of a swan seen near Thrapston which appears to have a crossbow bolt stuck in its neck.

The bird which was with two cygnets was photographed by keen wildlife photographer and former chief of the Northants Telegraph's photographic department, Glyn Dobbs, and his wife as they passed the River Nene on Saturday, July 11,

But it was not until he enlarged the picture on a screen, much later that night, that he noticed the swan had an object stuck in it.

Following advice on the RSPCA website he discovered that he needed to be with the animal to be able to help the animal charity, so he returned to the river the next day hoping to locate the stricken bird.

He said: "The swan didn't appear to be in distress. I took the photo because I thought it was nice to see the family group of the swan and cygnets.

"It was only when I enlarged the picture on the laptop that I noticed what looks like a crossbow bolt in its neck.

"I tried contacting the RSPCA but I found on the website that I needed to find it to let them know where it was. We went back the next morning but we couldn't see it."

It is thought that the swan is on a stretch of the River Nene, near to The Middle Nene Sailing Club and Islip Mill close to the boat moorings. near to Islip Lock.

Wilf Kunze from nearby Middle Nene Sailing Club, in Thrapston said that they had not had any reports about the bird.

He said: "It's the first time I've heard of this - it's disgusting. We live happily together, the swans and the sailors."

Annie Marriott, from Irchester-based charity Animals In Need, said: "Nothing surprises me. It's not the first time this has happened. Why do people feel the need to do it, it's not exactly sport or they could be doing it for food.

"Some people don't realise it's illegal to kill wildlife and all the swans belong to the Queen, although she doesn't pay the vets' bills unfortunately.

"We did have a case of a Canada goose with a crossbow bolt stuck through its neck. We couldn't catch it because it flew off when it saw us.

"This swan might not fly off because it's got cygnets and will stay in one area.

"It looks like it’s at the edge of the neck so it shouldn't be too hard to remove won’t affect trachea or oesophagus."

She added: "If anyone does find the swan they can call Roy at Animals In Need immediately on 07950 062775 and we will come out."

A spokeman for the RSPCA said: "If you see injured wildlife or are concerned for the welfare of an animal, please contact the RSPCA.

"Wild animals can scratch and bite when frightened, particularly if they are injured. If in doubt, keep a safe distance and call us - apply common sense when approaching an injured animal.

"Do not attempt to handle or transport an injured deer, seal, wild boar, otter, badger, fox, snake, bird of prey (including owls), swan, goose, heron or gull, keep a safe distance and call 0300 1234 999."

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