SHOCKING images have been released showing two birds that have been shot in Barrow.

On Monday a pigeon was brought to Bardsea Bird Sanctuary with what appeared to be a bullet wound.

The same day, a dead seagull was found on Telford Street in Barrow.

The seagull had also been shot which may suggest both birds were the victim of the same person, said a spokesman for Bardsea Bird Sanctuary.

This pigeon was brought to the volunteer sanctuary with wounds covered in dried blood. The people who caught the bird and brought it in for treatment thought the wing could be broken and it would not be able to fly again.

She said: “It would seem like there are some really sick people around Barrow who think it is OK to shoot at birds. They are not a good shot as some of these birds survive with horrific wounds. How can anyone find pleasure in causing so much pain and distress?”

An RSPCA spokesman said: “It’s extremely upsetting to hear that pigeons and seagulls are being cruelly targeted in this way. All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is illegal to deliberately kill, injure or take one, except under licence.

“Unfortunately, attacks of this nature are not uncommon. Wildlife is more susceptible, simply because the animals are out in the open with no one to protect them. Birds also tend to be some of the most common victims of shootings involving airguns.

“We believe the incidents we hear about only may not reflect the true scale of the problem as not all cases will be reported to the RSPCA and there may be situations where animals injured and killed by crossbows and airguns are sadly never found.

“We’d urge anyone with first-hand information about these incidents to contact us on 0300 1239 999.”

There is advice and information on the RSPCA’s website about what to do if you find sick or injured birds.