Burnham-On-Sea wildlife carers from Secret World Wildlife Rescue have this week issued a strong warning about the dangers of air guns after a pigeon fell victim to one at the weekend.
Staff at the animal rescue charity say they are “shocked and angry” after they were forced to put down a pigeon which had been shot with an air gun in Weston.
Once the pigeon arrived at the charity’s animal rescue centre, Sarah Tingvoll, Section Leader at Secret World, successfully removed a metal pellet from the bird’s wing but took the tough decision to put the bird to sleep to prevent further suffering.
“This is a very sad story but putting the bird to sleep was the right thing to do for its welfare,” said Sarah.
“We know most gun owners use their guns in a responsible way, but this horrific case should serve as a permanent reminder that the consequences of using a pellet or air gun irresponsibly can be deadly.”
Carrier pigeons played an important role in World War I and World War II and were used to send messages from the battlefield thanks to their speed, flying altitude and ability to make their way home.
Sarah continued: “The fact that this bird fell victim to a gun shot on Remembrance Day makes this story even more heartbreaking and poignant. Carrier pigeons played a pivotal role in both world wars and their role is often overlooked.”
After World War II, 32 pigeons were awarded the Dickin Medal – a medal used to honour the work of war animals.
