The ‘cruel’ shooting of a heron is condemned

The bird was found on Saturday February 5 around 1pm by a local resident.

The shooting has been condemned by the RSPB which has urged anyone with information to contact the police.

A spokesperson for the RSPB said: “This is against the law so if anyone has seen anything that can help the police catch whoever is responsible do please come forward.”

She said that news of the death of the heron which she described as ‘beautiful’ and ‘striking,’ was even more concerning as it approaches breeding season.

“Clearly it is concerning as this was obviously done for sport or for fun,” she said. “If it was done to prevent herons from stealing fish from a pond then other measures could be taken.

“Recently we have had reports of swans being targeted. Some were found with cross bow bolts embedded in them but not herons. Herons are obvious and very striking birds so it is difficult to see how anyone could claim this was an accident.”

David Wilson of the USPCA also pointed out the shooting was illegal.

”Obviously this is a wildlife crime. You are not permitted to shoot a heron,” he said.

“Herons are well known for stealing goldfish in garden ponds but to shoot them is not only cruel but unlawful. There is simply no excuse or reason to shoot a bird in this way.”

He too appealed for anyone who can help the police to contact them.

A police spokesperson described the incident as ‘relatively rare.’

“This seems to be a one-off,” he said. “We are appealing for information.”

He asked anyone who was in the area on Friday, February 4 or Saturday, February 5 and who may have information to contact them at Lisburn Police Station on 0845 600 8000. Or you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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