Police investigate use of air rifle in Darlington after jackdaw shot dead
The bird was found with severe wounds
Police are investigating the use of an air rifle outside a house in Darlington after a jackdaw was shot twice.
The bird was found dead in the front garden of a property in the Arundel Drive area at around 1.45pm on Sunday (26th May).
The RSPCA says vets were unable to treat the bird’s injuries with one of the pellets having shattered the pelvis bone and the other becoming lodged in the humerus, so they put the jackdaw to sleep.
The charity says as it is the breeding and nesting season for jackdaws, the deceased bird may have had offspring which may struggle to survive now.
The RSPCA hopes that the very distinctive air rifle pellets used in the shooting may provide a clue to track down who did it.
The ammunition removed from the bird has a 'Mitsubishi' type symbol engraved.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Krissy Raine, who is appealing for information, said: “This poor jackdaw was found in a horrendous state after being shot. The bird was rushed to Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital by the member of the public who found the bird, but sadly the jackdaw was too badly wounded to make a recovery.
“The consequences of weapons being used on wildlife is devastating, with severe injuries often leading to death, as in this case. Over the past year residents in this area of Darlington have reported numerous birds and cats have been shot with air rifles. Some have been killed and others have been seriously injured.
“People are understandably concerned and fear that their pets or even children could be hurt. We are appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch by calling the RSPCA appeals line number on 0800 123 8018.”
Durham Constabulary has been informed of the incident and is investigating as it is an offence to use an air rifle in a built-up area.
The RSPCA say they continue to call for stricter regulations around airgun ownership in both England and Wales. Better education, basic safety training for owners and a thorough explanation of the law - including legal obligations towards animals - could help protect animals from such attacks in the future.
The animal charity tends to see a rise in the number of airgun attacks during the summer months due to the longer days and people spending more time outside.
In 2022 the RSPCA received nearly 150 reports of domestic and wild animals being targeted with air weapons but in reality the actual number of attacks will be much higher. 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 2006.