Peacock put down after being shot six times with airgun

07 February 2024 , 14:38

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The peacock was shot several times with an air rifle (Image: RSPCA)

A village peacock shot six times by a thug armed with an air rifle had to be put down, sparking an investigation by the RSPCA.

The colourful bird had to be rushed to the vet when it was found in a field near Market Drayton, Shropshire, with pellets lodged in its legs and body, causing severe damage to muscles and tendons. The peacock was rushed to the animal welfare charity's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital in Nantwich, Cheshire.

However, the bird was so severely injured the vet made the decision to put him to sleep on welfare grounds to prevent further suffering. The bird was a popular part of village life for around eight years before its tragic death.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer John Groarke said: “We were told residents in this area had been keeping an eye on this beautiful bird for about eight years and they were genuinely very upset to hear the shocking news They loved to watch him fly into the fields near their properties and were very fond of his presence.

"The person who reported the peacock to us suspected he was badly injured as his foot looked twisted and he was unable to walk. It's a senseless and appalling act of cruelty and very upsetting for people who have got so much enjoyment from watching this bird grace their neighbourhood.”

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An x-ray of the peacock's injuries (RSPCA)

Stapeley Grange say between 50 and 70 animals are shot by airguns every year - including swans, ducks, badgers and foxes. Manager Lee Stewart told Whitchurch Herald : “From the amount of pellets we found, it's clear that someone has set out to intentionally kill this peacock rather than taking a quick pot shot, and unfortunately they succeeded.

“The consequences can be devastating and what we hear about is probably only the tip of the iceberg as not all cases will be reported to us and there may be situations where animals injured and killed by these weapons are sadly never found, especially in the case of wildlife.”

An RSPCA spokesperson added: "Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act. People with first-hand information about the incident are urged to contact the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01214986."

Antony Clements-Thrower