A SWAN is recovering after being shot and left for dead near a Worcester housing estate.

The adult female was found on the riverbank near The Ketch, St Peter's, with an air rifle pellet in her throat.

A member of the conservation watchdog, the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust, took it to Swan Rescue, Wychbold, where it was given antibiotics following the incident on Thursday evening.

After being taken to a veterinary clinic and undergoing surgery yesterday afternoon, the female, which has three cygnets, was said to be "fine".

Vet Steve Barstow hoped it could return to the rescue centre for recuperation today.

"Quite a few swans get shot," he said.

"We have had four or five this year. This doesn't sound like much, but we only ever see the very serious ones which are hit in the head or neck.

"There are lots that get shot on their wings and body and are permanently injured, but never get to be treated.

"And, like many animals, they hate to be kept in vet's kennels. They pine and miss other swans. That's especially the case here as this female has three cygnets."

Jan Harrigan, who runs Swan Rescue, said she often had to deal with similar cases. "There is absolutely no way it was an accident," she said.

"How can someone with a pellet gun take aim at a lovely swan.

"I just don't understand how they can do it.