Witnesses have described what they called the brutal killing of a swan on a local riverbank.

Two dog walkers, who were walking their pets near the slipway close to Rees’ Garage in St Dogmaels, have told how they were shocked and appalled at the scene that unfolded on the opposite bank last Sunday, October 6.

They said that the previous day reports had been made that the swan was injured. On Sunday they saw a man approach the animal with a towel or a blanket and assumed that he would wrap it up and take it for veterinary treatment.

However, they say, that the man instead picked up large rocks from the riverbank and hit the swan on the head with the rocks four or five times.

“We were absolutely horrified at what we were seeing,” they said.

“He must have decided that he had done the deed and then went to pick it up. The swan wasn’t dead and flapped its wings. He flung it up the riverbank onto a field and then it fell into the mud.”

The dog walkers got in their car and raced to the other side of the river, near Castle Farm, but the man was gone and they could not see the swan.

“We were absolutely distraught,” they said.

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed that it is investigating the incident but that no arrests have been made.

Police are asking witnesses to get in touch and say that accredited wildlife officers have taken over the investigation.

“Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating the circumstances that led to the death of a swan near the River Teifi in St Dogmaels on Sunday October, 6,” said a force spokesperson.

“To date, no arrests have been made.

“We are aware of the impact that an offence of this nature can have on the community and would like to reassure the public that incidents involving protected birds will be thoroughly investigated and positive action taken against those believed to be committing wildlife offences.

“Wildlife accredited officers have taken primacy for the investigation and enquiries are ongoing.”

Dyfed-Powys’ rural crime team is appealing for anyone with information that could help them with their investigation to report either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, by direct messaging Dyfed-Powys Police on social media or by calling 101.

In each case the crime reference number 24*854230 should be quoted.

Alternatively, anybody with any information can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.