A duck has had to be put to sleep today after being critically injured by a ball bearing.
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) was contacted at 9:45 am on Tuesday, March 19th, when a resident at Delves Retirement Homes discovered a duck in distress, trying to move across the ground outside her apartment.
A WRAS ambulance responded on-site, and rescuer Julie Stafford successfully captured the injured bird. Julie mentioned, "The bird was visibly hurt and unable to stand, so we quickly transported it back to our Casualty Centre."
WRAS’s Veterinary Surgeon Clarissa Wu examined the bird and found the right leg fractured and a wound to the abdomen. X-rays revealed a ball bearing possibly fired from a catapult.
The incident has been reported to Sussex Police, and WRAS is encouraging anyone with information to reach out to the Police, referencing incident 0725 of March 19, 2024. Unfortunately, the duck's injuries were severe, leading to the decision to euthanize it.
Trevor Weeks MBE, Founder of East Sussex WRAS, expressed “The duck likely endured over 48 hours of suffering looking at the extensive tissue damage, which must have been extremely painful. The bird must have been hit in the local area around the home or recreation ground as it was not able to stand and walk nor fly.”
A number of studies have shown links between the abuse of animals and violence against people. “A study in America showed that of those arrested for animal crimes 65% had been arrested for battery against another person” said Trevor Weeks, “According to the Human Society of America Children who abuse animals are sending out clear warning signs that they pose a risk to themselves as well as to others. If you know of a young person who is committing these types of acts of cruelty please contact the Police so that action can be taken to get these people help and stop them before they cause harm to others. Its only a very short step from doing this to harming the neighbour’s cat or dog or another child and eventually becoming controlling or abusive in a relationship later in life. Getting help for these youngsters is vital to ensure they don’t make mistakes now which could affect them for the rest of their lives. It could also indicate that young persons committing these offences are being neglected or even being abused according to the NSPCC”
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