AN ANIMAL charity is appealing for information after a duck was shot with a crossbow bolt.

RSPCA Cymru received reports of an injured duck found near Buckley Common on June 12.

Rachael Davies, the RSPCA inspector who rescued the duck, said: “Shockingly this duck appears to have been shot with the arrow going straight through his leg, which would have been a crossbow bolt, possibly a pistol-crossbow bolt.

“Luckily it went through the top of his thigh so just a superficial injury, but it could have been much worse.”

The duck was given pain relief and had the arrow removed.

It has now been taken to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for further treatment.

It is hoped he will be released back into the wild once fully recovered from the ordeal.

Inspector Davies added: “There is no question as to whether this was deliberate.

"Someone had deliberately shot an arrow at the duck with the intention of causing harm.”

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal, except under licence, to take, injure or kill wild birds.

Under the act, the use of crossbows to kill or take birds is also prohibited and the maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.

The charity is appealing for information and anyone with any details can call the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 123 8018.

People wishing to help the RSPCA investigate incidents such as these, you can donate online.