A DEFENCELESS swan was shot in its side and beak and left severely injured near a canal in Worcester.

Wychbold Swan Rescue has saved the animal which had severe injuries after it was shot twice by a BB gun near the canal in Bilford Road.

Volunteer John Stewart said he is "mindblown" that people seek pleasure from hurting animals but admitted it is not surprising after dealing with many similar cases.

"I do not understand the mentality of why someone can do something like this," he said.

"They inflict pain on an innocent creature.

"What could you say to a person who would do this? They just don't care.

Worcester News: The two pellets that was taken out of the swan.The two pellets that was taken out of the swan. (Image: Wychbold Swan Rescue)"It is annoying and staggering that they would do this.

" They got sheer pleasure taking aim at a defenceless animal.

"It's mindblowing.

"Though, it's not something I'm surprised by. We get a case like this around once or twice a year."

The swan was shot on its side and through its beak and is currently on a course of antibiotics. 

Wychbold Swan Rescue has taken the swan to the vet where it had surgery on the wounds to remove the pellets.

Mr Stewart said it was sad because the swan's partner was still on the canal waiting for the animal to return.

"Lots of people cross the towpath and we need to make people aware that this is happening," he said.

He added that the more people that are aware and looking out for the swan then the more of a deterrent it will be.

Last year, residents in Pershore were horrified after a trio of swans was shot multiple times by a person with a BB gun at Avon Meadows Community Wetland in Pershore.

The swan's eggs were taken, and the nest was destroyed with several BB cartridges littering the nest.

The ordeal had led West Mercia Police to appeal to the public to come forward with any information from the incident.