Perth Teens Face New Charges After Black Swan Dies Following Vape Abuse Incident
Two Perth private school students face additional animal cruelty charges after police confirm the black swan they allegedly forced to inhale vape fumes has died.
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Two private school boys from Perth who sparked widespread community outrage after allegedly filming themselves forcing a native black swan to inhale vape smoke have been charged with additional offences following the bird's death.
In a statement released on Friday, Western Australia Police confirmed that the black swan at the centre of the alleged video had died. Mandurah Detectives identified a second alleged offence as a result of ongoing investigations into the animal cruelty incident that occurred earlier this month in Mandurah.
The two male youths have now been charged with an additional count of causing an animal unnecessary harm following the bird's death, police said.
Shocking footage of the alleged incident shows the younger teen shoving an e-cigarette into the trapped bird's beak and blowing vape smoke down its throat, while the older boy filmed the encounter. The older boy then swore at the swan and allegedly struck it with an open right hand.
Later in the clip, the bird was shown slumped against the side of the vessel. After returning the swan to the water, the teens allegedly shared the video with friends before it was posted on social media.
The boys, who have been identified as students from an Anglican school south of Perth, cannot be named for legal reasons due to their age.
Coverage of the incident by The West Australian sparked community outrage and resulted in the schoolboys being charged by police over the matter.
Court Proceedings and Initial Charges
The pair first appeared in Mandurah Children's Court in early August, accompanied by their parents and extended family. The court heard the boys were travelling in an inflatable boat near Endeavour Island in Mandurah when they noticed the swan had a fishing lure lodged in its neck.
They approached the swan and brought it aboard, where one of the boys removed the lure, the court heard. But before setting the bird free, the other boy allegedly grabbed it by the feet, restrained its neck and blew vapour from his vape into the swan's beak.
It is alleged the other boy then slapped the swan across the head before setting it free. The same boy filmed the encounter and distributed the recording to several of their friends before posting it on social media.
Magistrate's Remarks
The boy who removed the fishing lure pleaded guilty to one count of causing an animal unnecessary harm and wrote an apology letter explaining he takes full responsibility for his actions.
The boy's lawyer said her client lives on a farm caring for animals and said his "out of character" behaviour deeply shocked his family.
The magistrate ordered a psychological report for both boys.
"I wish you didn't need to be here," she told the pair.
"I wish the swan wasn't treated in this manner … you have participated in an extraordinary, terrible and serious offence. It would be false on my behalf not to order a psychological report."
The pair were granted bail and were scheduled to face court again the following month. The other boy had yet to enter a plea at the initial hearing.
Police Statement on Swan's Death
"As a result of ongoing investigations into an animal cruelty incident in Mandurah earlier this month involving the death of a black swan, Mandurah Detectives identified a second alleged offence," a police spokesman said in the Friday statement.
Mandurah Detectives have since charged the two male youths with the additional count following the bird's death.
Community and Animal Welfare Response
The video, which was widely shared across social media, drew immediate condemnation from animal welfare groups and the broader community. Animal welfare group Animals First Australia had previously claimed the swan had died, though authorities had not confirmed this at the time of the initial court hearing.
The incident prompted calls for stronger animal welfare protections and stricter penalties for those who harm native wildlife. Under Western Australia's Animal Welfare Act, offenders face up to five years in prison and fines of up to A$50,000.
School Response
The boys were identified as students from an Anglican school south of Perth. The school was informed of the incident, and law enforcement was alerted. The school has not released a public statement beyond confirming it was cooperating with authorities.
Legal Implications
With the swan's death now confirmed, the additional charges could result in more severe penalties for the teenagers. The case has drawn national attention and sparked debate about youth accountability, animal welfare laws, and the role of social media in amplifying acts of cruelty.
Both teenagers remain on bail with conditions as investigations continue. Their next court appearance is scheduled for September.
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