THE RSPCA has issued a warning to youngsters after ducks and swans were stoned and chased by thugs in two separate incidents.

A male swan was trying to protect his mate nesting on a lake in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester, when it was attacked.

In another incident, a duckling, one of a family which was stoned by youngsters, died after the attack in Teme Street, Tenbury Wells.

RSPCA inspector Julia Sly condemned the attacks and warned young people they could face serious sentences if convicted of cruelty to the animals.

"Witnesses to both these attacks report that they were carried out by young people, probably teenagers," she said.

Criminal

"They should be aware that, if convicted of cruelty towards these animals under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, they can be given fines of up to £3,000.

"It's appalling that these animals were deliberately targeted by youngsters who obviously have no respect for wildlife and it is a sad fact that more of these offences happen during school holidays.

"Young people must be taught respect for animals or face the consequences - like ending up in court."

Insp Sly said the swans at Gheluvelt Park were targeted every year and their eggs were taken, which is also a criminal offence.

She urged people using the park to monitor the swans.

"It's sad that every year these swans nest on the lake at the park but never manage to rear any young," she said.

"Swans are protected by the law, so it's very difficult to move them away from an area.

"I would appeal to people using the park on a regular basis to keep an eye on the swans and report anything suspicious they see to the RSPCA or the local police."

Kindness

The RSPCA has a team of 60 school liaison officers who visit half a million schoolchildren every year to carry out animal welfare education and to promote kindness to animals.

The RSPCA's national contact number is 08705 555 999.