A starving Australian raven was found with a pellet lodged in its wing over the weekend
A rescue group has called for people to dob in anyone harming wildlife to authorities after a bird was found shot by an airgun
QLD News
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A volunteer wildlife rescue group has called for people to report anyone harming wildlife to authorities after a raven was found with a bullet in its wing.
Kat Cook from North Queensland Wildlife Care said member of the public found the injured and starving Australian raven on the side of Riverway Drive in Kelso, a suburb of Townsville on Saturday.
“It was found on the side of the road and just running around, unable to fly,” she said.
Miss Cook, 28, cared for the native bird over the weekend while waiting to take it to Western Suburbs Veterinary Clinic.
“They X-rayed the bird and told me it had been shot,” she said.
The raven had to be euthanised after an air rifle pellet was found lodged in the bird’s right wing.
“The damage to its wing was too severe and unfortunately he was not able to be released,” Miss Cook said.
“It wasn’t a recent injury.
“It had healed over but the bird had been trying to fend for himself and, without being able to fly, starving.”
Miss Cook said she reported the shooting to the RSPCA.
“I contacted the RSPCA but unfortunately, without having any lead on who would have done this, there’s not anything they can do,” she said.
“We have had calls in the past from that area but, without anyone dobbing someone in, we have no hope of finding them.
“It’s just awful. I couldn’t imagine why someone would go to those lengths to hurt our wildlife, it’s ridiculous.
“A lot of the time it’s not fatal so an animal is left fending for themselves.”
The Australian Raven is a native species and are protected under state legislation.