Canada goose shot with crossbow

A goose has been shot with a crossbow in a "callous attack" on Teesside.

RSPCA inspectors were alerted after the Canada goose was spotted with a bolt through its neck in Rossmere Park, Hartlepool, on Monday.

Several attempts have been made to catch the goose and remove the bolt, but the bird was proving elusive, said the charity.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said they treated acts of animal cruelty extremely seriously.

It does seem to be quite active, so hopefully the vet will decide it's not suffering too much RSPCA spokeswoman

The RSPCA is now taking veterinary advice to decide whether to continue attempting to catch the goose.

If a vet decides the animal is suffering, then it will be captured.

However, once caught, Canada geese cannot be released back into the wild because they are not a native species.

The RSPCA spokeswoman said: "Unfortunately Canada geese are non-indigenous and we're not legally allowed to release them, so it would have to be put to sleep.

"But it does seem to be quite active, so hopefully the vet will decide it's not suffering too much and we can just leave it alone."

The RSPCA has condemned the attack and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.