Plover Found with Arrow Through its Chest

On the afternoon of August 5^th the RSPCA received a call from a member of the public who had spotted a plover with a large arrow through its chest in Woodford. Incredibly it was still able to walk

The plover was mother to four chicks that were standing with her partner nearby. The family of plovers were well known in the area and neighbours stayed with the bird until RSPCA Qld rescue officer Chantelle Scolari arrived.

Understandably the plover was very wary of people, but eventually Chantelle was able to catch the bird and it was taken to RSPCA Qld’s wildlife hospital at Wacol.

Sadly the mother had sustained irreparable damage from the arrow in the chest and also had a severely fractured leg. Due to the severity of her injuries euthanasia was the only humane option.

Thankfully the chicks were able to be left in the care of their father as they were all unharmed.

“This is yet another case where a bird or animal is left with injuries that are incredibly painful. They never die quickly,” said RSPCA Qld spokesperson Michael Beatty.

RSPCA Inspectors are also following similar cruelty cases that have occurred around the Moreton Bay district..

An Ibis was shot with an arrow in Caboolture in June and a second Ibis was found in Morayfield in May with gun pellets in its body.

“We’d urge anyone who has information regarding these incidents to contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL.”