PETA is offering a reward of up to £2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for fatally shooting a peacock with an airgun in Hinstock last month.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer John Groarke attended the scene after the injured bird was found in a field off Hatton Road on 28 January by a resident.
The peacock was rushed to the animal welfare charity’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital in Cheshire for treatment where x-rays revealed an airgun pellet had completely shattered his left leg.
The shocked vet also found a further five bullets which had gone through the bird’s body in several places causing severe damage to muscles and tendons.
He was so severely injured that the vet decided to put him to sleep on welfare grounds to prevent further suffering.
PETA Vice President Elisa Allen said: “It’s imperative that any community faced with cruel and callous acts such as this take measures to find the culprit and bring them to justice.
“Animal abusers are a danger to everyone: they take their issues out on whoever is available to them – humans or other animals – and must be caught before they act again.”
People with first-hand information about the incident are urged to contact the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01214986.
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.
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