In 2026, South Yorkshire Police launched an investigation into suspected wildlife crime and issued a public appeal for witnesses after five cygnets were shot and severely injured along the Chesterfield Canal in Rotherham.
The incident is understood to have occurred between 7:00 PM on Saturday 5 September and 2:00 PM on Sunday 6 September 2026. According to investigating officers, five young swans situated on the canal waters in the vicinity of Browns Lock were targeted and deliberately fired upon.
Initial inquiries conducted by officers suggest that the birds were targeted using a catapult loaded with ball bearings. The injured cygnets were subsequently recovered from the canal and transported to a dedicated swan rescue centre to undergo urgent veterinary care. Specialist rescuers confirmed that while three of the cygnets are responding to treatment and recovering, the remaining two birds remain in a serious condition due to their injuries.
South Yorkshire Police are appealing directly to walkers, cyclists, anglers, and canal boat owners who were using the Chesterfield Canal towpath around Browns Lock between the specified times to assist the inquiry.
Officers are urging anyone who witnessed individuals acting suspiciously, carrying catapults, or possessing relevant mobile phone or dashcam footage from nearby access roads to make contact with law enforcement.
Information can be submitted to South Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or via their online live chat service, quoting incident reference number 705 of 6 September 2026.
Disclosures can also be made completely anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.
Image – Police Wildlife Appeal Graphic
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