Goose 'shot in the head with crossbow bolt' found in Birmingham park
A goose was shot through the head with a crossbow bolt - and survived - in an attack branded as 'mindless cruelty'.
The wild bird was found in a Birmingham park with the shocking injury by a passer by on Saturday.
Inspectors rushed it to RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital for emergency treatment.
The bolt had gone through the lower part of the goose's head.
The RSPCA is appealing for information over the 'callous cruelty' and is appealing for those with information to come forward.
RSPCA Insp Boris Lasserre said: "Incredibly he was still alive.
"He was taken to the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital for treatment and X-rays to establish the damage that has been caused by the bolt and the safest way to remove it.
"This poor bird was the victim of a mindless cruelty. It beggars belief that someone would get enjoyment out of doing something like this.
He said: "It is such awful, callous cruelty and we would urge anyone with information about what happened to contact us as soon as possible. It is a disgusting act of deliberate cruelty.
"It is a criminal offence to injure wild birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and if someone is found guilty they face penalties of up to six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine."
The bird was found at Moseley New Pool, in Swanshurst Park, Swanshurst Lane, near Billesley.
Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact the RSPCA Inspector Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018
