An image, posted on the Antrim Town Facebook page, showed the animal at Loughshore in Antrim yesterday evening with a crossbow bolt apparently protruding from its head. A search for the swan took place but it was found dead this morning.
“It is disgusting someone would apparently attack a defenceless animal and in such a way. Anyone who would do so is clearly a dangerous individual,” said Councillor Kelly.
“The seeming use of such a serious weapon as a crossbow lends this incident an even more sinister edge. This vile brutality towards animals should have no place in a decent society and it’s difficult to comprehend the mind of someone who would willingly partake in such behaviour.
“I would encourage anyone who has information on this incident to report it to police immediately so the perpetrator can hopefully be stopped from carrying out any further similar incidents.”