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Two birds shot with airgun in Inverness
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after two birds were shot with an airgun in a residential area of Inverness.
A pigeon and seagull were found within two days of each other (8 and 9 September) by a member of the public near his home in Montague Row.
Scottish SPCA Ambulance Driver Simon Wharton took the birds to a local vet where sadly they had to be put to sleep due to the severity of their injuries.
A post-mortem confirmed the pigeon was shot with an airgun and the seagull is also suspected to have been shot.
AD Wharton said, "These birds were caused a great deal of pain and suffering as whoever shot them didn't kill them instantly.
"Unfortunately, airgun attacks on animals are all too common and often lead to serious injuries and deaths.
"An airgun in the wrong hands is extremely dangerous, not only for the poor animals targeted, but also for anyone else nearby.
"These birds were found on a street close to a school, which is particularly worrying as children could have been in the area when the shootings took place.
"We are very keen to identify the person responsible for these cruel attacks."
Anyone with information is urged to call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
Shooting an animal is a serious offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can face stiff penalties including a prison sentence and a substantial fine of up to £20,000.