A retiree told The Courier the motorist intentionally swerved into two adult swans along the lake’s edge on September 14, severely injuring the animals and shocking onlookers.

“I’m not particularly an animal lover, but it was disturbing to see that happen,” he said. “My wife was distressed, she hardly slept that night.”

The incident, which was witnessed by several people, occurred on Wendouree Parade near the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial on the lake’s western side.

The retiree, who did not wish to be identified, said the offending vehicle was a black Ford Territory.

Ballarat City Council environment director Terry Demeo said on Friday it was an active investigation.

“The City of Ballarat will continue to work with DELWP around identifying the offending vehicle, and the City is committed to ensuring the offending party is dealt with appropriately,” he said. Many readers expressed shock following the revelation. “This actually makes me physically ill,” one woman wrote.