Swans found shot and missing flesh inside bags at river
The birds' bodies were discovered by members of the public next to the River Dee in Aberdeenshire.
Three swans have been found dead inside plastic bags at a river in Aberdeenshire.
The protected birds were discovered by members of the public next to the River Dee between February 25 and March 3.
When the bodies were recovered, it was found that two of them had been shot and two had flesh missing.
The Scottish SPCA said it is possible that the swans' tissue "could have been used for meat".
The animal welfare charity has launched an investigation into the incidents and are appealing for information.
Inspector Watson, of the Scottish SPCA, said:"These three swans were found dead in a close proximity to each other.
"Due to the circumstances, we believe that the same person is responsible for the deaths of all three birds.
"We would like to find out who this is and the reason the swans ended up in this state.
"Two had gunshot wounds and two had flesh missing which may have been used for meat."