‘Much-loved’ duck killed by crossbow

A WILD duck killed with a crossbow arrow in a Butler park at the weekend was a much-loved member of the community, according to a resident.

The RSPCA is appealing for witnesses following the Kingsbridge park attack on Sunday, in which the white duck was shot and left to suffer with the bolt still in its body.

Residents were able to catch the duck and take it to a vet, where it was put down. The RSPCA says it is likely the duck suffered for several hours before it was found by residents.

A resident who contacted inmycommunity.com.au said the duck was “much-loved” and had been given many names.

“Its death caused grown people to cry,” she said.

An RSPCA inspector carried out a search of the park after being contacted by residents, but no other injured ducks were located despite a second broken arrow being found.

The arrow, which had blood on it, has been turned over to police for possible forensic testing.

It is believed to be the second attack on a duck at the Kingsbridge park and lake. A resident said another duck had been strangled in the past.

What everyone else is thinking

bob

28/07/2009

I hope the police are checking all those importing or buying these deadly weapons off ebay and overseas. They will find some very unsavory people have obtained these weapons through the back door. I cannot understand the law when any idiot can seemingly get hold of a crossbow and go killing animals randomly.

Margaret

06/07/2009

I wish we could do to the criminals exactly what they are doing to the wildlife. If they knew they were going to get their leg chopped off or their hand or an arrow through their body they might think twice.
No sympathy for anyone who gets caught they need to be given the birch at least.

Val Gamble

02/07/2009

Catch them and stick a bolt through them.Preferably through the head.There is obviously nothing else there or any feeling in the heart so either would do. While they're at it apply the same to the roo killers.

Pat

30/06/2009

I hope the police don't consider it too much trouble to conduct forensic testing on the arrow and are then able to identify the cowardly offender. From that point, it would be appropriate if the punishment fitted the crime. Society would be greatly improved if we could rid it of those who do such things.