Shocking footage of a callous motorist careering into a swan in north Dublin has emerged.
Local nature photographer Ray Watts managed to video the disgusting incident of animal cruelty, which happened at Broadmeadow Estuary near Swords this week.
Speaking to Dublin Live, Ray said that he reported the matter to Balbriggan Garda Station and also sent the clip on to Bird Watch Ireland.
The incident happened around 1:30pm on Wednesday, January 15.
The clip shows a heartless male driver driving a red Opel Astra at speed into a group of seabirds and two swans who had gathered next to a parked car on the narrow coastal road that leads to Donabate.
While the birds were at the window of the parked car, a red car appears at speed and ploughs straight into the flock.
One of the swans is hit by the car, but manages to make its way back to the water despite being struck.
Ray said it appeared that the swan managed to escape serious injury and was able to swim away.
He added that a friend who visits the estuary every day checked on the swans this morning and fortunately, none of them were injured.
The old estuary road, which connects Swords to Donabate at low tide, is a popular spot for bird watchers and families often picnic there or visit the area to feed the swans.
However, it's not the first time that a sadistic driver has targeted swans - and regular visitors to Swords estuary say they have seen several dead birds on the same stretch of road in recent months.
Both swans and gulls are protected species in Ireland under the the Wildlife Acts of 1976 and 2000.
Dublin Live has contacted the Garda Press Office for comment.
