Thug who shot a crow with an air rifle in Milton Keynes could go to prison for up to six months, RSPCA warns

The bird was so badly injured that it had to be euthanised by a vet.

The shooting happened in the North 11th and 12th Street area on Wednesday April 14.

RSPCA animal collection officer Jack Curran said: “A member of the public contacted us after they saw the crow fall from above.

"The incident appeared to happen in a communal garden between the two streets. The crow survived, however an X-Ray showed he was badly injured and the pellet had caused internal injuries."

Jack added: “Sadly he was in a bad way and the vet made the difficult decision to euthanise the bird as there was little chance of recovery.

“It is so sad that someone has thought it is completely acceptable to target an innocent bird like this when it is far from acceptable. Sadly we deal with more than 1,000 incidents a year of animals being targeted by people with air rifles, which is cruel and inhumane."

RSPCA officials have been making enquiries in the area and are appealing for anyone who has any information to get in touch with them, in complete confidence, on 0300 123 8018.

It is an offence to injure or kill a wild bird, except under licence, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and offenders can face an unlimited fine and/or six months imprisonment.

"Crows can be controlled under a general licence, but there are conditions attached to the licence and we don't believe the conditions were met in this particular instance," said Jack.

The RSPCA is continuing its work rescuing animals during the coronavirus crisis and its frontline animal rescuers have been designated as key workers by the government.

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals and keep its animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care, you can make a donation here.