AN X-RAY revealed a gull had been shot by an air weapon and at close range.

RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes attended Ffordd Wyn, Gronant, Prestatyn, on Monday, August 16.

He said the bird was in a "very bad way" when he arrived. He attended about 9pm.

Mr Joynes said: "I had suspicions that she had been shot. The X-rays on Tuesday (August 17) show that the bird had been.

"This happened at relatively close proximity.

"The person that called us was really quite upset. The gull was found in a relatively high fenced garden and was bleeding. I don't know what reason the gull might have been shot, you just don't know, maybe making too much noise, but it had been shot and was dying in someone's garden."

The bird has sadly been put to sleep as a result of its nasty injuries.

Mr Joynes added: "The pellet went right through the wing. It shattered two bones. The pellet entered and lodged in the birds abdomen."

Calls have been made for the licensing of air guns.

In July, the RSPCA said there had been an “alarming” number of reports received about animals being targeted by air weapons and rifles over the last 18 months – despite lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions keeping people at home for long periods.

Mr Joynes added: "They are serious pieces of equipment. As well as an increase in gulls getting shot, there has been cats. These are family members and in addition, cause hefty bills.

"There needs to be tighter restrictions. It is a criminal offence.

"Gulls do get horribly demonised and I think people sometimes think they can take the law into their own hands or of course it’s possible that maybe aren’t sure that it’s illegal or that gulls are protected species. But just taking pot shots at wild animals that don’t take your fancy and leaving them bleeding in someone’s garden is completely unacceptable and will be investigated.

"This air rifle caused catastrophic damage to a bird that was likely sat on the roof top or was possibly flying overhead which shows the type of power this air weapon had.

"There should be much tighter controls and regulations on these sorts of air guns to prevent them being used by people with in the intentions of committing offences like this.

"This offence under the wildlife and countryside act 1981 could result in up to 6 months imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both."

Anyone with information is asked to telephone the RSPCA's cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.