A SWAN has been killed and another injured in two separate attacks at Coate Water.

The dead swan, a young cygnet of eight months was found on the shore of the lake with a pellet wound to the head.

The second swan has been blinded after being shot in the eye. Efforts are under way to catch the bird before it injures itself in an attempt to get airborne.

Roger Hulbert, who runs the South West Swan Sanctuary in Swindon with his wife, Sue, is disgusted with the shooting and is appealing to anyone in the Coate Water who may have seen anything to contact the police.

He said: "It is so disheartening to see a dead swan, especially one so young. We know it died in pain. We think that it was shot in the head while swimming. It then climbed up on to the bank of the lake, collapsed and died."

"It has to be either an air rifle or a BB gun. The people who are doing this are causing so much pain to these animals, and it's probably all a bit of fun for them having a go at live targets. It is terrible."

The second swan remains on the lake, proving difficult to catch. It is now permanently blinded in one eye and will never fly again.

The sanctuary is eager to capture the bird in order to provide care. Their prime concern is that if the wound was caused by an air rifle pellet, the lead in the pellet could go on to poison and kill the swan.

Greg Dunningham, owner of the Country Park cafe at Coate Water was so disgusted at the death of the swans he has offered £50 reward for information towards the capture of the people involved.

He said: "This is a country park where people come to see the ducks and swans, and I think it is amazing that people can turn a blind eye when they see children kicking a duck to death or plucking a goose until it has to be put down."

"Both of these things have happened, and the people who do this are animals themselves. It is so appalling, and if these people think they can shoot an animal and get away with it, what stops them from shooting a young child."

The cafe is actively involved with the Swan Sanctuary by selling birdfeed to visitors. Revenue from birdfeed helps the sanctuary to buy blankets and specialist foods for recovering swans.

Unfortunately, swans have been the target of many vandals in the past three years.

In May 2001, a reward was offered when vandals smashed eggs in the nest of a swan in the Peatmoor Lagoon using planks of wood and concrete blocks.

In August 2001, the Evening Advertiser appealed to dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash after a series of vicious attacks by pets.

Alvina Kumar, spokesman for Swindon Police said: "We are shocked and horrified that anyone can cause unnecessary suffering to any living creature.

"Animals are trusting of people and to inflict injury or death is betrayal of that trust. We would urge the public to come forward with information."

Callers should contact PC Rob Sweeney, on 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."