The body parts of a male swan has been found in a blood-filled plastic bag dumped next to the Grand Union Canal in Alperton.
The gruesome discovery was made by a member of the public on the verge by a towpath in Carlyon Road.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal to take, injure or kill wild birds like swans or interfere with their nest or eggs.
An offender could be jailed for six months or fined up to £5,000.
The RSPCA is appealing for information to find the culprit following the grim find on March 29.
Dale Grant, RSPCA inspector said: “We do not know for sure how he died, but there was a lot of blood and there appeared to be some kind of trauma and it could well be that he was killed illegally and may have suffered a great deal.
“We urge anyone with any information at all to call us.”
Anyone with information can call the RSPCA in the strictest confidence on 0300 123 8018.
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