Star Comment: Get cygnet's killers into court

If that is true, the characters who inflicted a painful and pointless death on an innocent cygnet are truly despicable. Their actions were barbaric in the extreme and it is to be hoped they are traced so that the courts can deal with their violence and brutality.

There should be no hiding place for the attackers, nor should they be shielded from justice by those who know their identity.

Taking pleasure from inflicting pain on a defenceless animal is a disturbing and mildly psychopathic venture. One dreads to think how the young teenagers who were responsible will grow up.

It is alarming to consider how they will behave towards others in society, or how they will interact with people who are more vulnerable and weak than they are.

As we head towards a warm and bright summer, there is much to look forward to. The county's wildlife and natural environment will blossom. Many beauty spots will be radiant with floral displays. There will be opportunities to view raptors and wild animals, which make a home in our green and pleasant counties.

However, the onset of summer is also the silly season for the callous and sick. As youngsters are let out of school, they make sport by torturing animals.

Each year, animal welfare charities report a litany of abuse. Cats are shot at by pellet guns, dogs are allowed to attack other animals – the list goes on.

It is incumbent upon the parents of local teenagers to keep a close rein on such children. Of course, mothers and fathers cannot watch over their offspring at all times of day and night. However, they can take responsibility for policing their children's behaviour. They can teach basic values of right and wrong and they can also administer discipline when it is required.

There will be those who know the identity of the idiots who killed a cygnet and then burned its nest. And they too have a moral obligation to come forward. Not doing so is, in itself, an unfeeling and irresponsible act.

We are fortunate to live in an area where we can enjoy exceptional wildlife. And it is our collective responsibility to safeguard that for future generations. People who transgress should have no hiding place. The courts await them.