Second gull shot with a crossbow in Highland capital
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a gull was shot with a crossbow in Inverness, the second incident of this nature this year.
An officer from Scotland's animal welfare charity collected the kittiwake gull on Thursday (August 22) after it was found at Inshes Roundabout.
The bird was taken to a vets but its injuries were so severe that the charity said the kindest and only humane option was to put it to sleep and end any further suffering.
Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector Iain Allan said: "The bolt had entered the gull's chest and it appears to have been targeted at close range.
"This was a sickening incident which would have caused this bird a great deal of pain and suffering.
"We can't be sure where the attack took place as it's likely the gull was still able to fly after being shot."
In February the Scottish SPCA appealed for information after a herring gull was found at Mile End Place, Charleston, with a crossbow bolt through its neck.
The bird was so severely injured it had to be put to sleep.
Chief Inspector Allan continued: "Unfortunately, we never received any information on this incident but we do have to consider that the two may be connected.
"We would urge anyone who knows who may have been involved to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence."
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is a criminal offence to use a crossbow to intentionally kill or injure any wild bird.
