Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Police are appealing for information about the shooting of a Mute Swan near Castlewellan. 

The incident, at a pond on the Drumlee Road close to the Loughin Road junction, was reported to police on Wednesday 1st April. The swan was found dead at the pond. Police have a robust attitude to enforcing the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985.

Inspector Eamonn Andrews, Sector Inspector for the Newcastle area, said: "It is unlikely that this was anything other than malicious as it would be difficult to mistakenly think a swan is any other type of bird. This is not only a crime against our local wildlife but against everyone, as our natural heritage belongs to us all. Anyone involved in this type of behaviour risks being report to the Public Prosecution Service."

Wildlife crime is taken seriously by the Police Service; however incidents must be reported to local police as quickly as possible.   

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has information about the incident should contact police by calling 0845 600 8000, alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by contacting 0800 555 111. 

Guidance - The Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 states:(1) Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally— (a)kills, injures or takes any wild bird; or(b)takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built; or(c)takes or destroys an egg of any wild bird,he shall be guilty of an offence. "Wild bird " means any bird of a kind which is ordinarily resident in or is a visitor to Northern Ireland in a wild state but does not include poultry.