Pigeon shot in face in Chelmsford
The bird has been put down by an RSPCA vet
Last updated 25th Jul 2025
WARNING this article contains a photograph of the injured bird before it was put down
A woodpigeon has had to be put down by RSPCA vets after it was shot in Chelmsford.
Vets decided to end the bird's suffering after it was targeted by someone with an air weapon on the 7th of July.
It was found injured in a Garden at King's Road.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Nick Jonas said, "I am keen to trace the person/s responsible for targeting this defenceless bird. The homeowner who reported it to us said they had heard young people laughing moments after the bird was attacked.
"I have carried out door to door enquiries in the area - but I am keen to hear from anyone who might know who was responsible for targeting this poor bird.”
"Every year the RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate cases and help hundreds of animals that are the victims of air weapon attacks.
"Cats and wildlife are the animals most susceptible to being shot simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them. Sadly, air weapon attacks are not rare and the injuries caused can be horrific and often fatal.
"We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.
"We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop could help relieve the problem.”
The RSPCA is now appealing for anyone with information to get in touch
WARNING: potentially upsetting image ahead
It comes during their Summer Cruelty Campaign which has revealed an increase of a third in the number of cruelty calls taken across June, July and August between 2023 and 2024 - last year totalling 24,401.