Chris Hill Wildlife inspectors fear that ducks are being used as air gun targets following a series of attacks in a Norfolk village.The RSPCA was called by a concerned villager on Tuesday, who said he believed a mother duck had been shot in North Creake, near Fakenham.

Chris Hill

Wildlife inspectors fear that ducks are being used as air gun targets following a series of attacks in a Norfolk village.

The RSPCA was called by a concerned villager on Tuesday, who said he believed a mother duck had been shot in North Creake, near Fakenham.

Two ducks were taken to the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre, near King's Lynn, with air rifle wounds. One was dead when it arrived, while the other is still being cared for at the centre.

The caller, who did not wish to be named, also claimed that half a dozen ducks had been shot in the area during the last few months.

He said: “I have been aware of this since Christmas time, when we noticed that a number of wild ducks which use the village pond had just died, and we are concerned they could have been shot or died of lead poisoning.”

RSPCA inspector Dean Astill-Dunseith said anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and a �20,000 fine.

“We are extremely concerned that so many ducks appear to have been targeted in the last few months,” he said.

“It is absolutely vital that if anyone saw anything suspicious or knows of anyone shooting at animals in the area they come forward with information.

“People cannot be allowed to get away with this and if we can prove that someone has done this deliberately then we will prosecute.”

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.