Appeal after pigeon shot with air weapon

The pigeon - not the one shown here - was found seriously injured in Glenfield

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a pigeon was shot with an air weapon in Leicestershire.

A member of the public found the bird injured in Treaty Road, Glenfield, on 21 June, the charity said.

It was taken to a vet for treatment but due to the severity of its injuries, the decision was taken to euthanise the bird to prevent further suffering.

In an appeal shared on Tuesday, the RSPCA urged anyone with any information to get in contact.

The charity has called for tighter controls on air weapons, saying it receives nearly 1,000 calls each year about them being used to target animals.

RSPCA inspector Helen Smith said: "Cats and wildlife are the animals most susceptible to being shot simply because they are out in the open with no-one to protect them.

"Sadly air weapon attacks are not rare and the injuries caused can be horrific and often fatal."