A DUCK injured by a crossbow bolt to the neck has been taken to a vet for care.
As reported in the Echo, onlookers said they were shocked to see the bird with the pencil-sized bolt sticking out of its neck wandering around the RSPB nature reserve and at Radipole Lake last week.
The male mallard duck had been spotted several times by walkers around the area but despite the best efforts of RSPB staff and wildlife rescue personnel, he proved difficult to capture.
However, on Sunday night Frances Ponting from Weymouth Wildlife Rescue and Derek Davey, the swan warden at the lake, managed to capture the duck and take him to safety.
Nicknamed ‘Usain’ after the runner Usain Bolt, he was taken to the vets yesterday to see if they can operate on him to take the bolt out of his neck.
Mrs Ponting from the rescue centre said she is concerned the wound may have become infected but is hopeful Usain will be able to make a full recovery.
She said she and Mr Davey were called to Radipole Lake on Sunday evening after the duck had been spotted on the pathway by the Gurkha Restaurant sitting with the other ducks.
When they got to the lake the bird was swimming in the water and didn’t want to come near them.
Mrs Ponting said: “He was swimming around quite well. He was a bit slow and subdued.”
They did a mass feeding in the area and Mr Davey was able to wade in and gently scoop up Usain and take him to shore.
He spent the night at the rescue centre before heading to the vets first thing.
Mrs Ponting said the crossbow bolt had passed through his neck and had probably stopped him being able to eat very well.
She hit out at whoever had shot Usain and said they should feel really bad about what they had done.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to shoot wild birds with a bow or crossbow.
Mrs Ponting said: “I’d like to say they are just the most awful type of person you can get really. They are obviously cruel and heartless.”
She added: “These things shouldn’t be allowed. These things shouldn’t happen.”
Weymouth Wildlife Rescue is looking for donations to help towards Usain’s vets fees. Anyone who would like to help out can make a donation via the rescue’s Pay Pal account using the email weymouthwildlife@gmail.com.
CONTACT ME:
t: 01305 830981
e: catherine.bolado@dorsetecho.co.uk
twitter: @DorsetEchoCB
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