Crossbow shooting goose put down

Vets advised that the goose was likely to suffer and die

A goose shot with a crossbow in a "callous attack" at a Hartlepool park has been captured and put down.

The Canada goose was seen in Rossmere Park last week with a bolt in its neck.

The RSPCA had hoped the bird could survive in the wild with its injury, because once captured the non-native species cannot legally be released.

But experts advised it was likely to suffer, so inspectors from the charity caught the goose and it was put down by a vet.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "We heard back from the vet and his advice was that the goose was likely to get an infection which would cause suffering and ultimately death.

"On that basis, a team of inspectors and animal collection officers went out and caught the bird which was taken to the vets and, after an examination, put to sleep."

The charity has condemned the attack, and Cleveland Police said they treated acts of animal cruelty extremely seriously.

Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the RSPCA.