The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after a pigeon was found with hooks through its feet in Lichfield.
The bird was found in a garden in Poolfield Road on Tuesday (February 2).
RSPCA inspector Laura Bryant said: “This poor pigeon had plastic clips on his legs with big hooks coming out of them.
“These hooks are used by a very small number of keepers in a cruel practice which aims to injure sparrowhawks, peregrine falcons and other birds of prey who might attack the pigeon.
“The hooks are incredibly sharp and were very tight on the bird’s legs. It is absolutely appalling that people would do this as it is not acceptable to injure – sometimes fatally – pigeons and birds of prey in this way. Not only that, but It is also illegal.”
Inspector Bryant added that these hooks are often attached to ‘tumbler’ pigeons – so-called due to the way they fly by tumbling out of the sky – and which are targeted by birds of prey.
She said: Thankfully, staff managed to remove the hooks and the pigeon is now doing well.
“We do not know where the pigeon came from as his ring had been removed but we do not believe he would have travelled far from where he was found.
“It is such a cruel practice and we are appealing for anyone who has any information on who did this to contact us in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.”
