A woman spotted a seagull sitting calmly in Cooper Park in Elgin but when it turned around, the woman noticed an arrow embedded in its head.
Watch the seagull with an arrow embedded in its head
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Photographer Lesley Morrison took the picture of the injured seagull and said it flew off after she took its picture.
Despite the arrow in its head, Morrison said it looked healthy.
She said: “I have always got the camera just in case. It was there for ages walking about, pecking away. Then I saw this solid-looking arrow – it was well-embedded.”
“It flew off and appeared to be just fine, but it must be in a lot of pain.”
The Scottish SPCA is yet to catch the injured seagull as it flew off after Morrison took its picture. The bird is still flying around the Moray town and it is believed that the arrow could be a bolt fired from a crossbow.
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Aimee Findlay said: “We have received a report of a gull with an arrow through its head in Elgin. The gull is still able to fly so we haven’t been able to contain it.”
“We are very concerned for its wellbeing and are keen to treat it as soon as possible to prevent infection and further injury and suffering.”
“This is very concerning. We want to make it clear that gulls, like all birds, are protected by law and it is a criminal offense to deliberately injure or kill a gull,” she added.
The Scottish SPCA has warned strict action would be taken against the person who harmed the bird.
The Scottish SPCA has urged everyone to contact the SSPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999 if they have any information about the injured bird.
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