A cygnet has been seriously injured on the canal close to Royal Wootton Bassett.
Police say the baby swan was targeted between July 5 and 6 but was recovered on July 7 after it was reported to the RSPCA and Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue.
Oak and Furrows, near Cricklade, rescued the bird half a mile from Marlborough Road.
Two metal nuts were found in the bird's neck with one of them having broken the animals jaw.
After surgery and ongoing care, the cygnet is expected to recover and be released back into the wild.
Wiltshire Police have asked that people are vigilant and report any acts of cruelty or wildlife crime such as this.
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