A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced to a four month community-based order after forcing a black swan to inhale vape fumes on a boat in Mandurah.
The teenager was on board an inflatable boat with another boy, near Endeavour Island, when they noticed a swan with a fishing lure lodged in its neck. They brought it aboard and after the accused removed the lure, he blew vapor from his vape into the animal’s beak.
The second boy on board then allegedly slapped the swan across the head. The child is yet to enter a plea and will face the Mandurah Children’s Court in September.
The incident was filmed and posted to social media.
It was revealed in court that a second swan was involved, which was allegedly slapped and became unresponsive.
The accused then discarded the unresponsive swan in nearby bushland. A number of weeks later, police located a large carcass and black feathers.
The boy’s lawyer told the court his client was “showing off to his younger friend” and added that the teen said “it was a really stupid and impulsive thing to do”.
In the children’s court in Rockingham, the teen pleaded guilty to two charges of causing an animal unnecessary harm.
During sentencing, Magistrate Andrée Horrigan described the use of a vape as “extraordinary”.
“The use of the vape is extraordinary. I don’t know what went through your head to do that,” Magistrate Horrigan said.
“You need to be able to grow up and mature … this was a graphic, awful error in judgement.”
Photo L: ABC
