X-rays revealed that a buzzard, found injured in Henlow, Bedfordshire, had been shot in its wing with an air rifle. The bird, was put to sleep to prevent further suffering. An RSPCA spokesperson said: “It is very upsetting to think that this beautiful bird was deliberately targeted and shot and this is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.” The organization is calling for tighter controls on air weapons. Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act. |