Pet peacock shot 6 times and fatally wounded

Villagers were left shocked after their prized pet peacock was shot six times with an air rifle and had to be put to sleep.

The bird was found bloodied and injured in a field in Hinstock, near Market Drayton, Shropshire, on January 28.

It was taken to a vet, where x-rays revealed pellets were lodged in its legs and elsewhere in its body.

The pellets caused severe damage to the bird's muscles and tendons, and a vet made a decision to put it to sleep to prevent further suffering.

The RSPCA has now launched a hunt for the person responsible for the attack.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer John Groarke attended the scene after the injured bird was discovered by a member of the public.

Mr Groarke said: 'We were told that residents in this area had been keeping an eye on this beautiful bird for about eight years.

'And they were genuinely very upset to hear the shocking news

'They loved to watch him fly into the fields near their properties and were very fond of his presence.

'The person who reported the peacock to us suspected he was badly injured as his foot looked twisted and he was unable to walk.

'It's a senseless and appalling act of cruelty and very upsetting for people who have got so much enjoyment from watching this bird grace their neighbourhood.'

The peacock was taken to the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital in Nantwich, Cheshire for treatment.

An average of 50 to 70 animals shot by airguns are treated at the facility each year, the RSPCA said.

Other affected birds include swans, geese, ducks, birds of prey and pigeons as well badgers, foxes and squirrels.

Centre manager Lee Stewart said: "From the amount of pellets we found, it's clear that someone has set out to intentionally kill this peacock rather than taking a quick pot-shot and unfortunately they succeeded."

Anyone caught deliberately using an airgun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act, the RSPCA said.

A RSPCA spokesperson said: 'Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.'