MINDLESS thug shot a 15-inch crossbow bolt at a defenceless goose in a ‘barbaric act of cruelty’. 
The bolt pierced through the Canada goose’ body – but fortunately the bird has miraculously survived the atrocious attack.
It has since had the bolt removed from its body and has shown its ‘remarkable fighting spirit,’ the RSPCA said. 
The goose was rescued by an RSPCA officer on Saturday, January 7 from Rocket Pool in Bilston, West Midlands.
RSPCA Inspector Jackie Hickman took the injured bird to a local vet where the delicate procedure was carried out to remove the bolt.
The animal charity said the wild bird displayed admirable resilience, surviving the night at the vets and being transferred the following day to Stapeley in Cheshire. She is still on medication but is eating well.
It is now recovering at Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Inspector Hickman is appealing for witnesses to the horrific attack to get in touch.
She said: “This was a barbaric act of cruelty on a defenceless wild bird and I believe somebody must know who is responsible.
“The crossbow bolt has been handed to Bilston police officers who are working with us in order to try and trace who fired it.
“I have dealt with a similar situation before where a farm animal was shot with a crossbow bolt and following DNA testing the perpetrator was identified and successfully prosecuted.
“It is against the law to use any bow or crossbow against wild birds or other animals.”
Anyone with information can call the RSPCA national cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for Inspector Jackie Hickman.
