Pigeon fatally injured by archery arrow
Seahaven Bird Rescue were called by a member of the public around 5pm on Sunday 9 June to the rear of Tesco, Brooks Road, Lewes, East Sussex to an incident where a feral pigeon had been shot with an arrow.
Upon arriving at the scene, medics from the wildlife rescue charity were shocked to see an archery arrow measuring 66 centimetres lodged directly through the abdomen of a brown feral pigeon. The medics immediately stemmed the bleeding and administered pain relief on site. Carefully handling the pigeon, medics took him straight to Grove Lodge veterinary practice for an X-ray to see how extensive the damage was and to potentially have the arrow removed. Vets were horrified at the incident and immediately took the pigeon to examine. Unfortunately the arrow was directly through the abdomen and the removal of it would have caused the bird to quickly bleed to death. Staff at Seahaven Bird Rescue were deeply saddened by this news but happy that the pigeon no longer had to suffer unnecessarily.
“This act of cruelty is extremely concerning; especially due to the fact it is a very large and dangerous weapon. To shoot an arrow through an innocent animal completely unnecessarily and leaving it to die a long and painful death is absolutely horrific and sickening. We are working alongside Sussex Police to ensure the person that committed this crime is caught before they cause any more damage” says Founder of Seahaven Bird Rescue, Carrie Grace.
“Our whole team at Grove Lodge Vets is totally horrified by the severe nature of injuries inflicted on this poor pigeon. We see a wide variety of injuries and ailments in our dedicated wildlife rescue unit at Grove Lodge Veterinary Hospital in Worthing but this is one of the most unpleasant and sinister. Even with the expertise of our highly skilled surgical team, it was impossible to do anything for this unfortunate bird except put it to sleep as the arrow had passed completely through its abdomen. Removal of the arrow was impossible as the injuries were far too severe” says Grove Lodge Veterinary Practice in Worthing.
An animal rights group is now offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for killing the bird.
Any person who witnessed this incident or who has any further information is urged to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting reference SXP-20130609-1099 or Seahaven Bird Rescue on 01273 252820.
