Arrow missed bird’s heart by millimetres

The RSPCA is appealing for people to come forward with information after a goose was shot with a 31-inch arrow in Stockport.

A member of the public contacted the RSPCA after seeing the goose with the arrow through his body at a lake in Hazel Grove, off Clarendon Road.

The arrow had gone straight through the goose’s body, skimming his heart and missing all of his vital organs.

He was rescued yesterday (Monday 18 April) and was taken to the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, in Nantwich, Cheshire, where the arrow was removed.

Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange, said: “We could see from the x-ray that the arrow had missed the heart by just millimetres, so this goose is lucky to be alive. The bolt was removed and the goose is now recovering. He will be on pain medication and antibiotics for the next five days to fight off any infection.”

RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer Steve Wickham, who rescued the goose from the lake, said: “There is no question as to whether this was deliberate. Someone had deliberately shot a large arrow at the goose with the intention of causing harm.

“We are appealing for anyone who has any information on who might have done this to contact us as soon as possible, and in complete confidence, on 0300 123 8018.

“This was a large arrow and it would have been very noticeable if someone had been seen carrying it and a crossbow in public. If you know who it was, then please contact us in the hope that no more birds in the area will be harmed in this way.”

The RSPCA is a charity and we rely on public donations to exist. To assist our inspectors in carrying out their vital work please text HELP to 78866 to give £3. (Texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message.)