Local wildlife workers have put up a reward for information leading to a successful prosecution after horrific injuries were caused to two swans on Pembroke Mill Pond at the weekend.
While they have witnessed attacks on the Mill Pond's population of around 70 swans in the past, members of Swan Rescue, Pembrokeshire, have been horrified at the callousness of two attacks within the space of 24 hours which left a female swan with 18 stitches to a 'spearlike' wound in her wing and a cob male with part of his beak missing.
"The callousness of what happened to the cob has really shocked us all," commented Maria Evans, of Tinkers Hill, Amroth, where the two swans are now recovering.
"It is quite obvious that he was hit with something very heavy and lost a good part of his upper mandible as a result.
"For this to happen less than 24 hours after a female swan received a spearlike wound and had her nest destroyed is doubly horrific."
Both swans were discovered by Pat Watts, of Swan Rescue, Pembrokeshire, while she was making her daily visit to check on the swans and feed them.
Both swans were making a steady recovery at Tinkers Hill, although the future of the cob was still uncertain.
"We are pursuing the possibility of reconstructive surgery with a vet in Merthyr," explained Maria.
"Both birds are strong and healthy, and the cob is adapting well to having only half a beak, but it's not an injury I've come across before. Fingers crossed the vet will be able to do something."
Maria said that there had been problems on the Mill Pond over the years, with bricks and stones being thrown at the birds, even though they are protected under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, and there were always difficulties with birds being tangled up in discarded fishing line, but these two incidents had really shocked and galvanised the community.
"The police informed me that they will be concentrating their video camera on the Mill Pond area, while two CCTV firms have been in contact with the offer of cameras which will not only make the area safer for the swans, but also for people.
"We have also put up a reward for the successful prosecution of whoever did this, although I know personally what I'd like to do with them."
Anyone with information should contact Pembroke Dock police on (01646) 682121.
Information is also being sought as to whether there were any canoes or boats using the Mill Pond over the weekend.
Anyone who is concerned about the local wildlife can contact Pat Watts on (01646) 651983 or mobile (07967) 280022 or Maria Evans on (01834) 814397 or mobile (07718) 059745.
Swan Rescue Pembrokeshire is a voluntary organisation and has recently launched its summer draw to help raise funds. First prize will give a swan's eye view of Pembrokeshire, with a free flight for two over the county. Tickets are available from Pat Watts or from various outlets locally.