Shot swan released back in to the wild on the River Tay

A SWAN treated by vets after being found shot with an arrow has been released back into the wild - after amazing her rescuers with her speed of recovery.

Swan released on River Tay after recovering from being shot with arrow

The female bird was found pierced by the arrow in what was described as “a cruel and mindless attack” on the Wemyss Estate in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in March.

The projectile went right through her wing, narrowly missing her spine and vital organs.

Her mate was found dead nearby, though he, apparently, had not been shot.

Swan is released by SSPCA after recovering from being shot by arrow

After undergoing emergency surgery at a vets, the swan was taken to the Scottish SPCA’S National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, near Allloa, where she remained for nearly a month.

The SSPCA said that she was released at a protected site on the River Tay on 13 April.

National Wildlife Rescue Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “The swan came to us with the arrow having already been removed by a vet. She was put on a course of antibiotics and painkillers in our care and we kept her off water to allow her wounds to heal properly.

Swan is released by SSPCA after recovering from being shot by arrow

“Once her wounds were healing and she was feeding well she went on to a wet pool and once given the all clear by our vet she went outside into one of our swan paddocks where she was able to join another recuperating swan.

“Being a flock animal, swans do much better when kept with other swans.

“After a week outside and once the weather conditions were suitable, she was released along with her new companion at a privately owned nature

reserve on the River Tay, where the wild swans are support fed until they choose to disperse and go their own way.”

SSPCA inspector Sarah Gregory, who rescued the swan and who is now leading an investigation into the attack, said: “I am very glad this swan has made

a full recovery and been released at a safe site following her terrible ordeal.

“Sadly her mate was found dead at the same time but we have recently received the results of a post-mortem which do not show anything linking the death to intentional trauma or a bow and arrow attack.

“Despite our public appeal following the cruel and mindless attack on the female swan, we have not yet traced the perpetrator and we would still urge anyone with information to come forward.”

Aynone with information can contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999 or Police Scotland on 101.

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