RSPCA saves two birds shot with homemade darts in cruel attack

MORE disgusting evidence of animal cruelty has surfaced in Adelaide after the RSPCA saved the lives of two birds shot with homemade darts in separate attacks earlier this month.

MORE disgusting evidence of animal cruelty has surfaced in Adelaide after the RSPCA saved the lives of two birds shot with homemade darts in separate attacks earlier this month.

Photos obtained by The Advertiser show a pigeon and duck left to die after horrific blows to the neck and head.

The first act of cruelty was reported to RSPCA rescue officers on November 9 after a pigeon was spotted with a 14cm nail pierced completely through its neck.

The injured pigeon was seen wandering the streets of Christie Downs, impaired by the large dart, which had a paper cone wrapped around its end.

Then a day later, in St Clair, the RSPCA received reports of a duck swimming in a pond with a small, red dart impaled in its head.

The duck rescued after being shot with a dart. Picture: RSPCA

RSPCA chief executive Paul Stevenson said it was a miracle both birds survived the cowardly attacks.

Mr Stevenson said it was hard to imagine what type of person, or people, would target innocent animals in such an inhumane way.

“The dart appears to have been crudely designed for the purpose of injuring or killing an animal,” he said.

“It’s horrifying that people would go to such deliberate lengths.”

An injured pigeon rescued after being shot with a dart. Picture: RSPCA

Under the Animal Welfare Act penalties for aggravated animal cruelty can result in up to four years imprisonment or a fine of up to $50,000.

In the case of the pigeon, Mr Stevenson said the dart only pierced the bird’s skin, helping it escape serious internal damage.

After a brief stint of rehabilitation the bird was released.

The duck from St Clair was also returned to the wild after five days in care. An RSPCA rescue officer successfully removed the 8cm dart, which perforated the skin surrounding the bird’s skull.

The latest attacks come just months after photos of a duck with a knife stuck in its head were shared on the RSPCA’s social media sites, causing community outrage.

The duck found with a knife stuck in its head. Picture: RSPCA

The RSPCA said it received a number reports from members of the public who saw the duck at Byethorne Park, in Nairne, in April.

Before that, in September last year, a Pacific Black duck was euthanised after being shot through the neck with a rusty nail. Mr Stevenson said he hoped those responsible were caught and punished.

“We are encouraging people to be vigilant and keep an eye out for birdlife that may be the target of attacks,” he said.

“Anyone who witnesses someone injuring birds, or finds one in need, should call RSPCA SA’s cruelty and rescue hotline immediately on 1300 4 777 22.”