Osprey euthanised following shot gun injuries
The RSPCA has euthanised an Osprey after it was found shot and injured near Washington, Tyne and Wear on 26th May.
According to an article published on the MetroRadio website the bird was found lying on its back on the Crowther Industrial Estate. It was initially thought that it may have hit a building but subsequent X-rays revealed multiple pieces of shot and a fractured wing.
The article said the bird was shot three times with an air-rifle but after analysing the X-ray images the Raptor Persecution Blog has pointed out that the pellets are from a shot gun rather than an air rifle.
An initial examination at Wrights Vets in Birtley showed that the osprey had suffered a ruptured right eye - which would have impeded his ability to hunt - and grazes to his body. X-rays were subsequently taken which also revealed three lodged pellets and a fractured left wing. Sadly, because of the nature of his injuries, the decision was made to put the bird to sleep to prevent further suffering.
RSPCA inspector Rowena Proctor, who is investigating, said: “It’s appalling that someone has taken pleasure in cruelly and deliberately shooting such a beautiful bird of prey and hard to understand why people carry out these mindless attacks.
“Even though it wasn't the outcome we’d hoped for, I’d like to thank the vets, as well as the person who reported the incident to us, for their care and compassion.
“Sadly, the targeting of wild and domestic animals in this way isn’t uncommon. RSPCA officers see incidents throughout the year involving cats, geese, swans and gulls who have been horribly maimed or killed outright in airgun attacks.The cases we hear about are only likely to show part of the problem as not all of them will be reported to us directly and there may be situations where animals injured and killed by these weapons are sadly never found - especially in the case of wildlife.”
13 Jun 2023
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