Police are investigating after a dead swan was found at the Balancing Ponds in Saintbridge, Gloucester, on Saturday.
Officers were called after the swan was discovered by a member of the public.
It is believed that the swan was strangled and officers are now asking for anyone with information to come forward.
The body of swan has since been passed on to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), to dispose of it.
PC Jonathan Parker, Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime Officer, said: “Following an initial examination of the swan, we now think that it has been strangled, which is utterly appalling.
“All wild birds are protected by law and we are also looking into whether the swan has been killed with unnecessary cruelty, which would also be an offence.
“I would urge anyone with any information about the death of this magnificent bird to come forward.”
Anybody with information is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police through the website, quoting incident 250 of 16 September: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/
