Heron dies after being shot by air gun in 'cruel act'
A heron has died after being shot by an air gun in behaviour described as a 'deliberate act of cruelty'.
The injured bird was found by a member of the public near a stream that runs through gardens in Belbroughton, near Stourbridge, on Easter Sunday.
He was rescued by RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith who took him to Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, near Tewkesbury.
An x-ray showed his injured leg had been caused by air gun pellets.
The RSPCA said the heron was so badly injured that he was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
The charity today called for tighter laws and training for those using air guns.
RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith said: "It was clearly a very painful injury which had left the heron severely injured and unable to hunt.
"It is very distressing to think that people take pleasure in causing harm to these beautiful and defenceless birds.
"This appears to have been a deliberate act of cruelty which caused the heron to tragically lose its life.
"Unfortunately, air rifle attacks are not as rare as we would like.
"The injuries caused by such attacks are horrific and often fatal.
"Cats and wildlife are normally the animals that are more susceptible to these incidents simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them.
"We are calling for tighter controls with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun and that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop.
It is against the law to kill or injure wild birds (except under licence) and individuals can be fined up to £5,000 and potentially up to six months in prison for each bird killed."
Anyone with information on who targeted the heron is asked to call the RSPCA Inspectorate Appeal Line in confidence on 0300 123 8018.
Anyone who spots an animal in distress can RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 123 4999.
