Teenager sentenced over vape and animal cruelty video involving black swans

A 16-year-old boy who forced a black swan to inhale vape fumes in a video shared on social media has been sentenced to a fourth month community-based order.

Details of the incident were revealed in the children's court in Rockingham today, where the teenager pleaded guilty to two charges of causing an animal unnecessary harm.

The court heard the teen and another boy were travelling in an inflatable boat near Endeavour Island in Mandurah, south of Perth, when they noticed a swan had a fishing lure lodged in its neck.

They brought it aboard, where the accused removed the lure, before blowing vapour from his vape into the swan's beak.

It is alleged the other boy then slapped the swan across the head.

That child is yet to enter a plea.

The boy's lawyer attempted to have the case heard in a closed court, due to both children having been identified on social media.

The court heard that identification had caused significant stress and negative impacts to the boy and his family.

However Magistrate Andrée Horrigan said it would be the wrong decision, given it was not the media but members of the public who had identified the child.

Social media 'obsession'

Details of a second animal cruelty charge were also revealed in court, with revelations there were two swans involved, not one as previously reported.

While one swam close to the boat, the other was allegedly slapped and then became unresponsive.

The boy's lawyer told the court he became worried the bird had died.

The unresponsive swan was discarded by the accused in nearby bushland, with police locating a large carcass and black feathers a number of weeks later.

"He said it was a really stupid and impulsive thing to do."

She also said the boy had an "obsession" with "streaks" on Snapchat, which is when a tally of daily interactions between users on social media is displayed on the app.

"It became quite daring and excessive," the lawyer said.

"He has apologised for his behaviour … he couldn't really think about why he had done it. He wishes he could take it back.

"It's quite clear the swan died and died unnecessarily, by all accounts."

Use of vape 'extraordinary'

The court heard the boy had no prior convictions or history with animal cruelty, and had a supportive family and home life.

In sentencing, Magistrate Horrigan was scathing of the boy's behaviour.

"The use of the vape is extraordinary. I don't know what went through your head to do that," Magistrate Horrigan said.

"It's common knowledge that swans mate for life.

"The devastation your family has felt by what's happened here, should also be reflect in what's happened to this dead swan.

"At some stage I anticipate how overwhelmed the bird must have become … unresponsive and lifeless. There's a dead animal and you had a hand in that."

Magistrate Horrigan sentenced the boy to a four month community-based order and urged him to learn from the choices he had made.

"We all have a personal responsibility. That's not something you talk about later, it's something you stop and reflect on.

Magistrate Horrigan also urged WA police to investigate those who had made commentary online and who identified the accused.

The boy's co-accused, who is accused of slapping the swan, will face Mandurah Children's Court in September.