THE RSPCA is appealing for information after an injured cormorant was found shot in Wickford and later had to be humanely killed by a vet.

The animal welfare charity is investigating after an x-ray revealed the cormorant had been shot with a shotgun.

RSPCA Inspector Jessica Dayes was called to rescue the bird on Tuesday, 2 March, after a concerned member of the public found the cormorant, running around their garden in Rectory Lane. The cormorant was grounded and unable to fly.

Jessica collected the bird and took him to Orsett's South Essex Wildlife Hospital to be assessed.

While there, vets x-rayed the bird and discovered that the cormorant had a number of pellets inside their body.

Sadly the injuries were so severe that the vet made the sad decision to put the cormorant to sleep to prevent him suffering further.

Jessica said: "It is very upsetting to think that this beautiful bird was deliberately targeted and shot. This may be an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

"Anyone with any information about how this bird came to be harmed is urged to call the RSPCA Inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018."

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and it is an offence to kill, injure or take wild birds except under licence. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

If you see an animal in distress you can ring the RSPCA's cruelty line on 0300 123 4999.