RBWM council 'exploring' new powers for police after swan killed by catapults

The council is ‘exploring’ whether to give police more powers to crack down on catapult attackers who are responsible for killing swans around Windsor and Maidenhead.

Borough officials could look to introduce the measures ‘in areas where there is clear evidence and justification’ to ‘ensure our parks and waterways remain safe’, a spokesperson said.

The comments come following calls from Bray-based charity Swan Support and Windsor MP Jack Rankin, for the council to introduce Public Space Protection Orders to parts of the borough.

Swan Support founder Wendy Hermon said urgent action needed to be taken to ensure birds are protected from such attacks, after one, known as Pete, was recently killed in the River Thames.

Ms Hermon has warned that rising numbers of attacks is a borough-wide problem.

“We never get used to it,” Ms Hermon said. “You still get upset and angry, especially with Pete, because we all knew him.

“We know him, we know his character, and we used to actually pick his family up every time we go Swan Upping.”

Harming swans is a criminal offence and can result in an unlimited fine as well as a jail sentence.

Thames Valley Police is investigating the attack, which took place in the river near Datchet on October 9 at around 6pm. 

A PSPO, Ms Hermon said, would give police more powers to seize catapults from potential offenders – and greater powers to investigate in cases where swans have been attacked.

MP Jack Rankin has joined calls for the council to introduce a PSPO. In a letter addressed to RBWM chiefs, Mr Rankin said the council was ‘failing our swans’ and accused it of moving at a ‘glacial pace’ following a public meeting in early 2025.

He said: “I am sure you will agree that swans are part of the iconography of Windsor, with our proud traditions of Swan Upping, to say nothing of the royal association with these birds.

“These catapult attacks are a scourge on Windsor, and I hope the council will move swiftly to introduce a PSPO so that the police will have more power to hold those responsible to account.

“The Royal Borough’s glacial pace on this is failing our swans and all those residents who care so much about them.”

A council spokesperson told the Express: “We are deeply saddened by the recent reports of attacks on swans within the Royal Borough.

“These incidents have understandably caused concern, and we share the community’s distress at the harm caused. Wildlife crime is a serious matter.

“The police are the lead agency responsible for its investigation and enforcement, and we would welcome more resources deployed to tackle this issue.

“Following a request from residents we have met with colleagues from Thames Valley Police to discuss how we can support their efforts, including exploring the use of Public Space Protection Orders in areas where there is clear evidence and justification.

“Our shared aim is to ensure our parks and waterways remain safe for both wildlife and the community, and those causing harm are held to account for their actions.”