NEWPORT-based animal charity City Wildlife Care is appealing for information after a heron was shot and severely injured in the city.
City Wildlife Care rescued the bird on Saturday. It had several severe injuries, including a broken wing and an open leg fracture. The bird also had nine shotgun pellets inside its body.
Veterinary staff at Budget Vets on Maplas Road gave emergency treatment to the heron, but it was decided that the injuries were too severe and the bird was put down.
Sara Morris, practice manager of Budget Vets, said: “City Wildlife Care bring wild animals in for treatment on a daily basis, but this poor bird’s injuries were some of the worst we have seen.
“Gunshot injuries cause so much damage and are catastrophic in birds.
“Our five branches will continue to work closely with the charity to care for local wildlife.”
Catherine Hannigan, director of City Wildlife Care, said “Herons are spectacular birds and can live up to 25 years, so it was very sad that this one had been shot.
“Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is illegal to shoot herons and to do it at this time of year is even worse, as this bird could have been nesting on eggs or even feeding its young.”
If you see injured wildlife please call City Wildlife Care on 07794 179 207.
They are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to help. For more information visit www.citywildlifecare.org.uk or www.budgetvets.co.uk
