Gull dies after crossbow attack in Inverness

A GULL has died after being shot with a crossbow in a “sickening” attack in Inverness - the second crossbow attack in the Highland capital in six months.

The SSPCA are appealing for information. Picture: SSPCA

The Scottish SPCA today appealed for information after the kittiwake gull had to be put down following the latest crossbow shooting.

A spokeswoman for Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity said: “An officer from the SSPCA collected the kittiwake gull on Thursday after it was found at Inshes Roundabout, in the Inshes area of Inverness.

“The bird was taken to a vets but, sadly, its injuries were so severe that the kindest and only humane option was to put it to sleep and end any further suffering.”

She added: “In February the Scottish SPCA appealed for information after a herring gull was found at Mile End Place in the Charleston area of Inverness, with a crossbow bolt through its neck. The bird was so severely injured it had to be put to sleep.”

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.”

He said the SSPCA was still investigating February’s gull attack. 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.”

The spokeswoman said: “Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is a criminal offence to use a crossbow to intentionally kill or injure any wild bird.”