A 14-year-old boy and his friends have been praised for trying to help save a crow shot with a slingshot. 

Isaac Taylor was out on his bike with some friends in the Broadstone area on Friday February 4 at around 4.30pm when he came across the injured bird.

He said: “My friend and I were out on our bikes, and we ran into another group of friends.”

“They told us that a bird had been shot with a slingshot and it was lying injured on the floor.

“We went to see the bird and to check if it was OK. By that time, the people with the slingshot had already left so I have no recollection of what they look like.”

With the bird visibly injured and destressed, Isaac tried calling the police non-emergency number and the RSPCA, who provided Isaac with some assistance.

Around an hour after his initial phone call, the RSPCA called back to say that they would be sending someone out to recover the bird.

The crow had to be put to sleep due to the severity of its injuries.

Isaac, who attends Corfe Hills School, said: “We stayed by the bird for another hour or so. We just tried to find it some worms to eat while we waited and then they called back and told us to meet them at The Junction car park.

“They told us to throw a jumper or something over the bird to catch it and pick it up and take it to them. So, I threw my jumper on it and wrapped it up. We saw that it was bleeding as my jumper has blood on it.

“The bird tried to get away once and then after that I think it worked out we were trying to help it. I started stroking it and it calmed down.”

After spending nearly two and a half hours with the injured bird, Isaac was finally able to hand it over to the RSPCA officers who thanked Isaac and his friends for their patience and help before putting the bird in the back of their van and driving off.

“I care about everyone, and I don’t like to see people or animals upset or in danger,” said Isaac.

“I just wanted to make sure it was alright so that it could go back to its friends and family.

“I am thankful that my friends were there with me to help, and I am grateful that they stayed with me and help to save the bird too.”

Ward councillor for the Broadstone area Vikki Slade has applauded the heroic efforts displayed by Isaac and his friends.

She said: “I feel so bad for that poor defenceless bird, but this young man and his friends actually stayed with the bird for a few hours and tried to help it, and I am incredibly proud of him.

“It is really easy for people to assume that all young people are going out and causing damage, but they aren’t, and this is an example of that.

“They didn’t just walk on by, as I am sure many of us would have done. He went out of his way to try and help it and did what needed to be done.”

RSPCA Inspector Charlotte Coggins, who is investigating for the animal welfare charity, said: “This mindless, intentional act of cruelty will have caused this bird significant pain and suffering.

“We share our space with wildlife and need to show respect and kindness. Animals feel pain, just as we do. It’s saddening to think anyone could take pleasure from firing a catapult at a living creature.

“Sadly the crow had to be put to sleep by a vet because of the severity of the injuries that he’d suffered in the cruel attack.

“Incidents like this will not be tolerated, it is a criminal offence and we’d encourage anyone with further information or evidence to contact us on 0300 123 8018 to help our investigation.

“We are incredibly grateful to the young people who contacted us. They were really nice genuine lads who are a huge credit to the younger generation.

“The boys waited with the crow, using their jacket to keep him warm until I arrived. It was dark and cold yet they still put the animal’s welfare first. They were also able to give me a description of the offenders, including their clothing and height.

“It takes all of us to create a world that’s kinder to animals, and these compassionate young people did everything they could to make a difference.”