Express & Star

Pigeon put down after being shot by air rifle in Dudley

A pigeon has been put down after it its wing was shot with an air rifle in the Black Country.

Published
Last updated
X-ray images show the pigeon's wing was shattered by the pellet. Photo: RSPCA

The bird was collected by RSPCA officers after a member of the public watched it fall on Elwell Crescent in Dudley.

It was rescued on May 20 and later taken for an x-ray where it was revealed the pellet had broken its wing, leading to it being euthanised.

RSPCA inspector Vicki Taylor said: "A member of the public contacted us after they saw the pigeon fall from above and hit the fence on the way down.

"When I collected the pigeon I could see that he had a badly injured wing.

"I took him to our Birmingham Animal Hospital and an x-ray showed that he had an air rifle pellet which had completely shattered the wing.

"Sadly he was in a bad way and the vet made the difficult decision to euthanise the bird as there was little chance of recovery."

X-ray images show the pigeon's wing was shattered by the pellet. Photo: RSPCA

Now officials at the charity have launched an appeal in a bid to track down the offender.

Ms Taylor added: "It is so sad that someone has thought it is completely acceptable to target an innocent bird like this when it is far from acceptable.

"Sadly we deal with more than 1,000 incidents a year of animals being targeted by people with air rifles, which is cruel and inhumane.

"I am appealing for anyone who has any information to get in touch with us, in complete confidence, on 0300 123 8018 so we can look into this further."

It is an offence to injure or kill a wild bird – except under a licence – as per the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with offenders facing an unlimited fine and/or six months imprisonment.

Pigeons can be controlled under a general licence if certain conditions are met.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.