The RSPCA is appealing for information after a woodpigeon was shot with an air weapon in Leicester.
The pigeon was found injured on Treaty Road, Glenfield on Saturday June 21st by a member of the public – who took the bird to a vet.
The pigeon was examined by the vet who discovered the bird been shot with an air weapon. Sadly due to the severity of the bird’s injuries a decision was made to put them to sleep to end their suffering.
Picture credit: RSPCA
The RSPCA is now appealing for anyone with information to get in touch with them.
RSPCA Inspector Helen Smith said: “Every year the RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate cases and help hundreds of animals that are the victims of air weapon attacks.
“Cats and wildlife are the animals most susceptible to being shot simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them. Sadly, air weapon attacks are not rare and the injuries caused can be horrific and often fatal.
“We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.
“We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop could help relieve the problem.”
If you saw or heard anything unusual around the area please contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident reference: 01555185.
