PETA Offers Gbp 1,000 To Nab Swan Killer

For Immediate Release:
3 December 2008

Contact:
Sam Glover 020 7357 9229, ext 229; [email protected]

Derbyshire – According to news reports, four swans have been cruelly killed within a three-week span in a number of senseless attacks in Derbyshire. In the most recent attack, a swan who had been shot was found by schoolchildren in Ironside on 27 November. Whilst attempts were made to save the swan, he died in surgery. Earlier in the week, another swan was found shot in Codnor. Because of the extent of the injuries, he had to be euthanised. His mate was found decapitated a day later.

Police believe these incidents, as well as the case of a swan who was shot on 5 November in Jacksdale, are linked. PETA is offering up to £1,000 as a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for these horrific crimes.

Emergency humane-education materials are being rushed to schools in the local area free of charge. The educational materials are designed to help children of all ages recognise the importance of showing compassion and empathy for all beings.

PETA is also urging residents to keep a watchful eye on their animal companions and to keep them indoors. Because animals cannot report their own abuse and can do little to fight back, they are the perfect “practice” victims for those who tend towards violence.

Derbyshire residents have good reason to be concerned. History shows that past incidents involving cruelty to animals regularly appear in the records of serial rapists and murderers. Child-killers Mary Bell, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables as well as serial murderers Ian Huntley, Thomas Hamilton (Dunblane massacre), Fred West, Denis Nilsen, Ian Brady and Jeffrey Dahmer all started out by deliberately harming animals. It has been alleged that the boyfriend of the mother of Baby P, the baby boy who died from injuries reportedly inflicted by his abusive family, tortured guinea pigs and frogs.

“Animal abusers are cowards”, says PETA spokesperson Suzanne Barnard. “They take their issues out on the most defenceless beings available to them.”

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the RSPCA on 300 1234 999.

For more information about PETA, please visit PETA.org.uk.