Police are hunting a mystery archer who shot a brush turkey on Sydney’s North Shore after the injured bird was found with an arrow embedded in its leg.
A female jogger discovered the wounded Australian turkey in bushland opposite Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf about 5pm on April 24.
The turkey was taken to Taronga Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital by WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service) for treatment, but needed to be euthanised.
The turkey was taken to Taronga Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital by WIRES, but needed to be euthanised. (Instagram/@mosmancollective/WIRES)According to local news site Mosman Collective, four other brush turkeys have been injured by an archery arrow over the past several years.
Brush turkeys are a protected species in Australia.
It is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to harm a native animal with a weapon.
An investigation into the bird attack is now under way.
A female jogger discovered the wounded Australian turkey in bushland opposite Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf in late April. (Instagram/@mosmancollective/WIRES)
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers On 1800 333 000.
Native brush turkeys have been injured under similarly cruel circumstances on the NSW Central Coast and in Queensland.
Nine.com.au has contacted North Sydney Council for comment.
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