Two teenagers have been charged in connection with an incident in which a native black swan was allegedly made to inhale smoke from an e-cigarette and filmed. The alleged act occurred on July 31, according to a Western Australian Police spokesman.
The two private school students from Perth were reportedly seen pinning the swan to the ground on an inflatable boat. In a video shared on social media, one of the individuals is seen holding the bird's beak and forcing it to inhale smoke from a pink e-cigarette before striking it. Laughter and expletives directed at the bird were reportedly audible in the footage.
Mandurah Police have charged the two juveniles with "Animal Cruelty - causing an animal unnecessary harm." The case is scheduled to be heard before the Mandurah Children's Court. One of the students involved has received a two-week suspension from school.
Animals First Australia, an advocacy group, expressed anger and devastation, stating they had received confirmation from a source that the swan had died as a result of the incident. The group is attempting to contact the parents of the primary offender and has suggested they consider a substantial donation to a wildlife rescue organization.
The incident has generated significant community concern, with many social media users calling for strict punishment for the teenagers. Penalties for animal cruelty in Western Australia, under the Animal Welfare Act 2002, can include a fine of up to $50,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years.