Two wood pigeons had to be euthanised after at least one was shot with an air gun.

The pigeons were spotted with injured wings by a member of the public in Bovingdon on June 26.

Both birds were collected and taken to the vets by RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) inspector Simon Hoggett.

But nothing could be done to save them and the birds were put to sleep to prevent them suffering further.

X-rays of one of the pigeons revealed they had two air gun pellets in their body.

Inspector Hoggett said: “It is so upsetting to think that someone deliberately targeted this poor bird and to do this is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Harrow Times:

Two air gun pellets were found in one pigeon's body. Photo: RSPCA

“While no pellet was discovered in the other pigeon’s body - given they were both in the same area and had very similar injuries I am suspicious that this bird had also been shot as well and we believe this happened within a month’s timescale.

“I would like to thank the member of the public for doing all they could to help these poor birds. The person also reported to me that a third wood pigeon with similar injuries had also been found some six months earlier.

“I am looking into this and I would urge anyone with any information about how these birds came to be harmed to call the RSPCA Inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

Harrow Times:

An air pellet that was found inside a pigeon's body. Photo: RSPCA

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

The RSPCA is calling for tighter controls on air guns. This includes better education of the law and requirements for basic safety training when people buy an air gun.

For more information on what to do if you find an injured wild animal, visit the RSPCA website.