An appeal has been launched after a swan was found peppered with air gun pellets in Burntwood.
It was found on Cannock Road with a hole in his neck on March 30.
An x-ray showed the bird had been shot ten times, with pellets found in its wings, chest, legs, tail and beak. Vets decided it was too badly injured and had to be put to sleep.
RSPCA inspector Rob Crutchley said: “The swan had been completely peppered with pellets – he would have been in so much pain after what could have been a prolonged attack.
“It is shocking and disturbing to think that someone thinks it is acceptable to do this to an innocent animal. It is cruel and causes horrific suffering.
“We are appealing for people to come forward with information so we can find out who did this to this poor swan.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.