Goose survives crossbow attack
A Canada goose in Bilston has been saved by timely and skilful veterinary intervention after it was shot with a crossbow. The 15-inch crossbow bolt went right through the bird's body and out the other side, necessitating a delicate operation to remove the bolt and repair the damage. The goose is currently recovering at the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and is receiving specialist care.
The goose was spotted and rescued on Saturday 7thJanuary 2012 by RSPCA Inspector Jackie Hickman, who rushed the bird to a local vet for medical attention. The vet was able to operate to remove the bolt, and the goose defied expectations to survive through the night. It was then transferred to Stapeley Grange, where conditions are more conducive to recovery and staff are trained in the care of geese.
The bolt has been handed over to the police and an investigation has been launched to discover who fired it. The use of a bow or crossbow on wild birds or any other animals is a criminal offence under the Countryside and Wildlife Act 1981 and is punishable by a prison sentence and/or a fine of ￡5,000 per bird.
Commenting, Inspector Hickman said “This was a barbaric act of cruelty on a defenceless wild bird and I believe somebody must know who is responsible.”
“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.”
Anyone with information is invited to get in contact with the Bilston Police on 0845 113 5000 or the National Cruelty Line on 0300 1234 999.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
