Reward Doubles for Information on Slain Trumpeter Swans
The lone surviving Trumpeter Swan at the corner of Scio Church and Parker Roads.
On August 16, the Huron Valley Humane Society (HSHV) increased the reward to $2,500 for information which would lead to arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for intentionally killing a family of trumpeter swans in Freedom Township. Donations from concerned citizens have more than doubled the reward money, which was originally set at $1,000.
Trumpeter swans are both federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state protected as a threatened species in Michigan.
A joint effort by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and HSHV indicates that someone driving southbound on Parker Road from Scio Church road veered off the side of the road to run over an adult and four baby swans around 6:15 a.m.Wednesday, August 10. Tire track markings suggest that the vehicle may be a Jeep or pick-up truck which has been lifted with large, 18-20 inch all-terrain tires.
The necropsy of the adult swan revealed injuries consistent with being run over by a motor vehicle.
“We’ve received an unbelievable number of calls from people living nearby and commuters on that road offering support," says HSHV Animal Cruelty Investigator Aaron Soyring.
“Not just bird lovers are concerned,” says Tanya Hilgendorf, President and CEO of HSHV. “Studies show a startling connection between violence against animals and violence toward humans. This is not just an illegal, cruel act, but also this is a public safety issue.”
HSHV asks that anyone with information please call the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s tip line at (734) 973-7711 or HSHV’s 24-hour animal cruelty hotline at (734) 661-3512.
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