CAMPAIGNERS are urging people to show respect for wildlife after a swan suffered fatal injuries in a collision with a canoe.

The RSPCA is reminding people to show kindness and consideration to wildlife while enjoying spending time outdoors as lockdown eases after the incident.

A concerned member of the public contacted the animal welfare charity after discovering a swan had been severely injured on a popular stretch of the River Stour near Sturminster Newton. It is believed the bird had been struck by a canoe.

Animal rescuer, RSPCA Inspector Ken Snook was called to help the bird after the distressed swan was seen trying to pull himself along on his wings, after being left unable to stand or walk.

Ken said: “This poor swan sustained an injury to the foot that was an open fracture that led to infection and death. The caller had heard a group of canoeists saying they had struck the bird on June 1 but only discovered the bird with his injuries a few days later.

“Swans are such beautiful animals and it's really saddening that this bird was left to suffer with such horrific injuries.

“This death could have been easily prevented if people showed consideration to wildlife, especially at this time during the nesting and breeding season.

“We’d urge people who are enjoying time outdoors as lockdown eases to please respect wildlife and the environment to avoid another animal needlessly losing their life.”

The penalties faced if caught deliberately injuring a wild bird can be up to six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine if found guilty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

If you’re concerned about the welfare of an animal please contact the RSPCA’s emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999.

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.