Warning to keep dogs on leads near wildlife after duck found with severe injuries in Telford

The animal welfare charity received a call from a member of the public after the duck was found at Trench Pool on Wednesday.

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer Kirsty Martuccio said: “The duck was in an awful way - I have never seen injuries as severe as this on a living animal. The duck’s bone and arteries in his neck were completely exposed, and he had a similar injury on his belly.

“I believe this duck was injured on Tuesday night as there was no fresh blood pouring from the wounds when he was discovered on Wednesday morning.

“I took him straight to the nearest vet and sadly his injuries were so severe that he was put to sleep to prevent any further suffering.

“The injuries are consistent with being attacked by another animal, and as dogs are often seen off their lead in the area we can’t rule out that the injuries were caused by a dog.

"The message here is clear - please keep your dog on a lead when you know you are near wildlife.

“Legally dog owners should have charge and control of their animals in a public place. We are asking dog owners to act responsibly to ensure tragedies such as this are prevented. You may think your dog is well behaved and would never chase or attack wildlife but you do not know how your dog will react if a wild animal is close by.”