A swan that was shot in the head two months ago spread its wings when it was released back into the wild after being nursed back to health.

Cambs Times: An X ray showing where the swan was shotAn X ray showing where the swan was shot (Image: Archant)

The RSPCA rescued the swan at an infamous air gun hotspot in March in July and took it to the East Winch Wildlife Centre, near King’s Lynn where it has been in recovery since.

The bird was released at a riverside location in March by RSPCA Insp Jon Knight.

He said: “People need to remember the devastating consequences that shooting at animals with air guns can have.

“In recent years I have been aware of several other shootings along this stretch of river, involving other swans, water birds and even an otter. It is quite a hot spot for these kind of attacks.

Cambs Times: RSPCA Insp Jon Knight by the River Nene March with the shot swan being returned to wild. The swan has been in recovery at RSPCA East Winch Wilidfe Centre since the beginning of July and is now being released back in to the wild. Picture: Steve Williams.RSPCA Insp Jon Knight by the River Nene March with the shot swan being returned to wild. The swan has been in recovery at RSPCA East Winch Wilidfe Centre since the beginning of July and is now being released back in to the wild. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

“It is very distressing to think that people take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.

“These are deliberate acts of cruelty and I would appeal to people’s consciences not to commit such an atrocious offence.

“We would also like to remind members of the public of the penalties faced if caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal.

“Under the Animal Welfare Act, those causing unnecessary suffering to animals face a £20,000 fine and/or up to six months in prison,” he said.

Cambs Times: RSPCA Insp Jon Knight by the River Nene March with the shot swan being returned to wild. The swan has been in recovery at RSPCA East Winch Wilidfe Centre since the beginning of July and is now being released back in to the wild. Picture: Steve Williams.RSPCA Insp Jon Knight by the River Nene March with the shot swan being returned to wild. The swan has been in recovery at RSPCA East Winch Wilidfe Centre since the beginning of July and is now being released back in to the wild. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

The swan was shot in the head with a metal pellet near Coldham Bank and was found by a passer-by with blood coming from the wound on July 1.

The bird was rushed to the East Winch Wildlife Centre where x-rays showed the metal pellet had lodged in his head.

Deputy chief inspector Jon Knight said they found 23 air gun gas cartridges in a five metre square area close to where the swan was found.

The cartridges were of varying degrees of age, from rusty to new which suggested that perhaps one person or a group of people had been regularly actively shooting in the area for some time.

Cambs Times: RSPCA Insp Jon Knight by the River Nene March with the shot swan being returned to wild. The swan has been in recovery at RSPCA East Winch Wilidfe Centre since the beginning of July and is now being released back in to the wild. Picture: Steve Williams.RSPCA Insp Jon Knight by the River Nene March with the shot swan being returned to wild. The swan has been in recovery at RSPCA East Winch Wilidfe Centre since the beginning of July and is now being released back in to the wild. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)