WE are supposed to be famous for our love of animals. Not if the dreadful attack on a swan at Cawood is anything to go by. The bird was shot twice in the head and face and left bloodied and in pain, flapping frantically in the River Ouse.

It was rushed to an animal hospital by Yorkshire Swan Rescue volunteers and is now recovering in a refuge near York.

“Why anybody would want to harm such a beautiful creature is beyond our comprehension,” said Dan Sidley of the Swan Rescue Hospital. “It is without doubt one of the worst cases we have seen this year.”

Rescuers believe the swan’s injuries may have been caused by youths spotted with a gun near where the bird was shot.

If it was them, we hope they are proud of themselves.

This was a despicable and cowardly act.