THE RSPCA is appealing for information after finding a goose in Warwick which had been shot.
The charity was called to Shakespeare Avenue on Monday (October 24) to rescue an injured Canada goose.
It is believed the bird had been shot while flying over the town and landed in a garden.
The owner of the property then confined the bird in their summerhouse and called the RSPCA.
Officer Karl Marston, who was called to rescue the goose, said: “The caller thought the bird had a broken wing and confined her in their summerhouse. But when I arrived and managed to capture her I spotted the bloody wound.
“Somehow she has ended up in this garden despite being unable to fly and it looks as though she’s been shot during flight and fallen into this area.
“I took her to RSPCA Animal Hospital in Birmingham, where vets found a clear shot wound but couldn’t find any pellet embedded in her wing.”
The bird has now been transferred to one of the RSPCA’s specialist wildlife centres where she will receive further treatment.
The charity is calling for anyone with information about the goose to get in touch.
Mr Marston added: “We would urge anyone with information about what happened to this goose to contact the RSPCA.
“While there are some shooting practices which are legal, we would like to remind people that it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to intentionally injure, kill or take a wild bird, except under licence. Anyone found guilty could face a fine of up to £5,000 and six months imprisonment.
“Wildlife and cats are normally the animals that are susceptible to these types of incident simply because they are out and about in the open with no one to protect them and the injuries caused are horrific and can often be fatal.
“This bird has been very lucky and we hope she makes a full recovery.”
Call 0300 123 8018 to speak to the charity.
