Investigating police say the sock was put on deliberately due to the “snug fit” and “how far down the neck the tube was”.

A swan in a UK town was found with a sock pulled over its head, in what is being described as a ‘mindless prank’.

The bird was spotted in the Catchwater Drain in Lincoln with the black garment placed over its head, reaching halfway down its neck.

According to the Lincolnshire Police, the sock was put on deliberately due to the “snug fit” and “how far down the neck the tube was”.

The cruel prank could’ve starved or even suffocated the helpless bird stuck inside it.

However, the swan had a lucky escape after the incident was reported to the Yorkshire Swan and Rescue Hospital, which quickly came to free the bird.

Fatal consequences

 “The consequences of this mindless prank could have resulted in this poor swan suffering over a long period of time, and ultimately ended in their death,” RSPCA Inspector Kate Burris, said.

“Given that this is the breeding and nesting season at the moment, this could have also resulted in suffering and sadly death for any dependent offspring.”

 Investigation

The police have launched a joint witness appeal with the RSPCA in a bid to catch the culprits.

 “Any type of animal cruelty will not be tolerated and we will carry out a full investigation into this incident,” PC Llewellyn, the investigating Lincolnshire police said. 

“We work with wildlife organisations who report these incidents to us so we can investigate.

“We believe the item had been placed on swan’s head intentionally, due to how snug the fit was and how far down the neck of the swan the tube was.

“We do not believe that this was accidental. Had the Swan Rescue not intervened, the swan would have either starved or potentially suffocated.

“We would like to hear from anyone who can assist us with our investigation or anyone who may have seen anyone around the swan in the water in the days leading up to May 2.”

We are investigating after someone deliberatly placed a sock on this poor Swan's head in the Coulson Rd area, Lincoln, on 2/5. @Swan_Rescue came to its aid. We are working with the @RSPCA_official to locate the culprit. Call 101, 21000242297 https://t.co/HtqM8A5NsL pic.twitter.com/zR6X0DLqxI

— Lincolnshire Police (@LincsPolice) May 5, 2021

Wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and it is an offence to kill, injure or take them except under licence.

The maximum penalty for the ones found guilty is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Anyone who has any information on this vicious act is urged to call the police on 101 or contact the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

• Read: Ricky Gervais and Zac Efron to star in Save Ralph – a film to end animal testing

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