THREE pigeons were shot and left in a tree near a children’s playground in a “callous attack”.
The birds were found dead in a tree by a member of the public next to the playground in Tricketts Cross in Ferndown.
The person contacted the RSPCA, who, after investigating the death of the birds, found air gun pellets inside their bodies.
The animal welfare charity is now appealing for information after the morbid discovery of the birds on April 21.
RSPCA inspector Graham Hammond said: “It is concerning that these pigeons had been shot and left in such a way. All were still in rigor, indicating this was a very recent event.
“All are believed to have been killed by a pellet ball, which has shown up on the x-ray.
“Such unnecessary and callous attacks can cause a lot of pain and distress to birds and are often fatal as was the case with these birds. Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.”
Offenders can face a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in prison for killing or injuring a wild bird, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, except under licence.
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