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BB gun yobs shoot down a kestrel
A RARE kestrel has been shot in mid-flight by a BB gun.
The alarm was raised when a member of the public brought the male bird into the Hebburn branch of Blythman and Partners Veterinary Practice
The kestrel had an open wound in its chest which had become infested with maggots.
Due to the extent of the injuries the vet concluded that the bird had been shot several days before it was found.
It was treated and had the wound dressed, but due to the kestrel's frightened and fragile condition staff have been unable to operate for fear of causing further distress.
Nevertheless, the bird now appears to be gathering strength, and staff are confident he will make a recovery.
Once it has recovered, it will then be moved to Beamish Wild Bird of Prey Conservation Centre, where he will be rehabilitated back into the wild or kept at the facility's woodland setting.
Veterinary nurse Tim Jackson said: "Many people believe a BB gun to simply be a toy, but the extensive injuries Stan sustained shows that this is not the case.
"If an animal is shot with an air gun then they can be injured or even killed.
"If a member of the public witnesses someone recklessly using a BB gun then we urge him or her to contact the police.
"Kestrels are unusual for the area, so it is presumed that it was shot while flying through Hebburn.
"Luckily the bird was found before it was too late, and we were able to act immediately and save its life."
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
