1 week Ago
A moorhen and a goose were killed after being shot with ball bearings from catapults in a "cruel" attack. The birds were discovered in a pond near Castleridge Drive in Greenhithe by a member of the public, who also reported seeing a group of youths behaving suspiciously nearby. An X-ray of the moorhen confirmed the injuries were most likely caused by a catapult.
Picture: RSPCA The moorhen was found dead with severe wounds, and the goose was taken to the vets. However, it was so badly injured it had to be euthanised. The incident, which took place on March 22 at the St Clements Lakes development near Bluewater, was reported to the RSPCA, which recovered the bodies.
An X-ray of the moorhen confirmed the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma and had most likely been caused by a catapult. Wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take them except under licence. The birds were discovered in a pond near Castleridge Drive in Greenhithe.
Picture: Google Maps The RSPCA says Kent appears to be a hotspot for weapon attacks on animals. Inspector Kirsten Ormerod said: "It is really sad these beautiful birds died after what we fear was a case of them being cruelly targeted with a catapult. "It seems both birds experienced horrendous injuries before.
.. Charlotte Phillips.
