A female swan has been treated for its injuries after being “stabbed” by teenagers at Sale Water Park during a "senseless" attack. 

Last Thursday (July 20) the RSPCA was contacted by members of the public who witnessed the swan being attacked on a footpath by two teenage boys who were seen stabbing her with sticks before running off.

Inspector Deborah Beats and animal rescue officer Steve Wickam used a boat to reach the bird who was left bleeding and injured.

Wearing protective clothing to minimise the ongoing risk posed by avian flu, the officers caught the swan and transported her to Ashleigh Veterinary Centre in Sale where her wounds were cleaned and found to be superficial in nature. She was also given a course of anti-inflammatory medication.

The swan was then returned to be with her partner and cygnets.

Mr Wickam said: “Thankfully the wounds were not too deep, and no lasting damage appears to have been done, but this was a cruel and callous attack nevertheless, and all the more disturbing that it appears to have been perpetrated by teenagers, it is just completely senseless.

“I’d like to thank everyone who was rightly concerned about this incident and urge those with first-hand information about the people responsible to get in touch with us.

“We’d also ask people who are visiting the park to help us look out for our wildlife and to report anything suspicious to us or the local authority.”

The RSPCA has appealed for anyone with information to call its inspectorate appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

All wild birds, including swans, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure, or take them, except under licence.

The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

The attack comes as the RSPCA launched its Cancel Out Cruelty fund-raising campaign this month to help the charity’s officers continue to rescue animals.

To help support the RSPCA, visit www.rspca.org.uk/cruelty