Distressed resident offers £500 reward to catch ‘yobs’ who shot ducks (From Bucks Free Press)

Distressed resident offers £500 reward to catch ‘yobs’ who shot ducks

10:09am Tuesday 13th January 2009 in

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TWO Aylesbury ducks were shot dead on an icy pond after being used as “illegal target practice”, the RSPCA said yesterday.

And the man who found them has offered a reward of £500 for information leading to the arrest of whoever shot them.

Brian Rance, 67, made the grim discovery in Layter’s Green Lane, Chalfont St Peter, on Wednesday morning when he went to break the ice covering the pond.

Both ducks had been shot in the head, and one of them also had a wound on its back. RSPCA inspectors believe the injuries were caused by an air gun.

Another duck was due to be rescued from the site by the RSPCA, but that has been delayed until tomorrow.

But Mr Rance said he was worried that duck could also end up being shot by yobs.

The resident, of Layter’s Green mobile home park, said: “I won’t be happy until they pick the other one up and make it safe. I can’t be here every minute of the day. I live two minutes away, but they could get him with an air rifle when I’m not here.”

He said he did not manage to get to sleep until 3am on Thursday because of what happened.

Mr Rance said: “I couldn’t believe it.

“We went out for my son’s 21st birthday on Wednesday night and had a lovely meal, but I couldn’t eat any of it.

“I’m going to put up a reward of £500 to try and catch them, I feel that strongly about it. It’s pitiful.”

The attacks are believed to have been carried out on Tuesday night or the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The RSPCA has appealed for anyone with information on the killings to contact them.

Inspector James Bromley said: “It is never acceptable to use animals or birds as illegal target practice. Those responsible must be aware that they are causing a great deal of pain and distress for no reason apart from some strange sense of enjoyment.”

He said the RSPCA was keen to talk to a group of youths who often congregate in the area to see if they could provide any help.

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