Ducks shot in Market Drayton air gun attack
A family of ducks appear to have had a lucky escape despite being shot with an air gun along a canal.
The RSPCA has condemned the attack, which happened along the Shropshire Union Canal in Market Drayton.
It is now appealing for information about who carried out the attack, which is believed to have happened on Friday morning.
Sara Howlett, spokeswoman for the RSPCA, said: "This is a very upsetting incident and distressing to think that a mother duck and her ducklings were attacked in this way – especially when they are so vulnerable.
"One of our officers has visited the scene to check on the ducks and thankfully they appear to be okay and feeding well.
“Air gun attacks are deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty. Every year the RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate cases like this and to help hundreds of animals that have fallen victim to these incidents.
“These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering and it is illegal. Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure a wild animal can be sentenced with up to six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine if found guilty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act."
The attack has sparked anger from people commenting on the Drayton Crier Facebook page.
Mike Smith said: "Let alone it being cruel, operating a weapon in a public place is very dangerous."
Heidi Cattell commented: "That's disgusting. Poor babies. Not something you want to take your kids to see when you take them down to see the ducks.
"This has actually made me feel real sad so horrible. How could anyone do something so cruel?"
Anyone with further information who may have carried out this attack can contact the RSPCA Inspector Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018.
