Heron shot in Norwich
It had to be put down
Last updated 21st Apr 2021
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a heron rescued from Norwich was shot six times.
The heron was found on Cangate Road, Norwich, and collected by RSPCA Inspector Dean Astilberry on Saturday April 3.
The adult heron had a fractured wing so the veterinary team x-rayed him to assess the damage, and were shocked to find there were six air rifle pellets inside the bird's body.
Dean said:
"The person who found the injured heron said they had only seen it a couple of days before flying above them - so it's incredibly sad to think this poor majestic bird was then shot.
"This heron was in a terrible state and was covered in blood and was very wobbly and staggering.
"It was heart-breaking to think that someone had deliberately shot at this beautiful bird."
Alison Charles, centre manager at East Winch, said:
"Sadly shot birds is something we see far too often in our centre - however we were all really shocked to see this poor bird had six pellets in their body as normally we would only see one or two.
"The bird had a fractured left radius and ulna with lots of bruising to the skin around them, as well as a spiral fracture on its right humerus, and sadly he was not going to recover. Sadly the decision was made to put the bird to sleep to prevent him suffering further.
"The wounds were quite fresh where the pellets had entered the body so the bird must have been shot recently.
"It is just so upsetting to think that someone has deliberately targeted an innocent wild animal."
The pellets are believed to be .22 target pellets.
Sadly this is not the only heron taken to East Winch Wildlife Centre for treatment. Another poor bird was collected from a golf course in Hatfield on April 4.
The RSPCA was called after reports that the bird was thin and not flying off.
The heron was also x-rayed and found to have a fractured coracoid which had been caused by an air gun.
Sadly the injury was not repairable and this heron was also put to sleep to prevent suffering further.
Anyone who has any information about the incidents to contact the RSPCA's inspectorate appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018 or call the police.
The RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate such cases every year and sadly cats and wildlife are usually the animals most often affected.
We are calling for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop could help relieve the problem.
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal - except under licence - to take, injure or kill wild birds. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.