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UPDATE: Brutal Swan Killers Escape Justice in New York

UPDATE: Brutal Swan Killers Escape Justice in New York

Last year, a tragic case shook a community in Syracuse, New York, when a group of three teens brutally killed a beloved swan named Faye. At the time, we called on our supporters to demand justice for this terrified bird, her mate, and their babies, but the court outcome was extremely disappointing and inadequate.


Three teenagers were arrested in the state of New York in May of 2023 after horrifically killing and callously cooking and eating a beloved community swan named Faye, taking her forlorn babies, and leaving her partner Manny to grieve by himself, all alone. 

In the middle of the night, the three teenagers climbed a fence at the Manlius Swan Pond in a Syracuse suburb, where they ruthlessly beheaded Faye and stole four of her traumatized babies, or cygnets. They then took Faye's body back to a relative’s home where she was cooked and eaten, while the teens planned to keep the cygnets.

Tips about the missing cygnets led investigators to a business in Salina where two were found. The other two were found at a residence in Syracuse, and the investigation led to the discovery of what happened to Faye.


The 18-year-old involved, Eman Hussen, has been sentenced only to three years probation and 45 days of community service after pleading guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty. Although originally charged with multiple felonies, his youth offender status sadly led to a reduced sentence in this case. The two younger teens, aged 16 and 17, had their cases moved to Family Court, where no additional information is available. We can only assume, based on Hussen’s lack of accountability, that the same is true for the other two perpetrators.

The young cygnets who were stolen from their nest were returned to the pond after being rehabilitated by a biologist. Tragically, Manny, Faye’s mate, had to be removed from the pond after showing aggression toward the cygnets after they were returned.

If this outcome disturbs you, please make a polite phone call to the Onondaga County District Attorney, William J. Fitzpatrick.

(315) 435-2470



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