"Cruel and senseless" crossbow shooting of ducks at Cosmeston Lakes is condemned

Over the past few weeks, two ducks have been shot at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park with bolts believed to have been fired from a crossbow.

And now the Vale council has said that they are continuing to try and treat the bird and will take criminal action against anyone who is responsible for the shootings.

Cllr Jonathan Bird, cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: "This is one of two recent incidents at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park in which ducks have been shot with bolts believed to have been fired from a crossbow.

"A male mallard with a crossbow bolt through its leg has been handed over to swan rescue, while the incidents have been reported to the police and RSPB.

"Rangers at the park will continue attempts to catch the female bird in an effort to ensure it also receives treatment for its injury.

"Shooting wildlife at the park with bolts is cruel and senseless and we will not hesitate to take criminal action against anyone responsible for such behaviour."

A Penarth resident and regular visitor to the park, who did not wish to be named, managed to get photographic evidence of a crossbow bolt protruding from a duck at the park last Thursday (July 20).

He said: "Staff at Cosmeston have tried to bring in the ducks so they can be treated but that this is very difficult as the victims can escape via water or air.

"It strikes me that as much attention ought be brought to this matter as possible so as to hopefully identify, or at least dissuade the culprit from future attacks."

South Wales Police confirmed it is investigating an offence which falls into the category of injuring a British Wildlife section one Wildlife and Countryside Act. A A police spokeswoman said: "On July 9, 2017, a duck was found at Cosmeston Lakes, Penarth, with a crossbow bolt protruding from one of its hips.

"Police are appealing to anyone who may have any information about this offence to contact them on 101 quoting reference 1700266369."