A WILD duck killed with a crossbow arrow in a Butler park at the weekend was a much-loved member of the community, according to a resident.
The RSPCA is appealing for witnesses following the Kingsbridge park attack on Sunday, in which the white duck was shot and left to suffer with the bolt still in its body.
Residents were able to catch the duck and take it to a vet, where it was put down. The RSPCA says it is likely the duck suffered for several hours before it was found by residents.
A resident who contacted inmycommunity.com.au said the duck was “much-loved” and had been given many names.
“Its death caused grown people to cry,” she said.
An RSPCA inspector carried out a search of the park after being contacted by residents, but no other injured ducks were located despite a second broken arrow being found.
The arrow, which had blood on it, has been turned over to police for possible forensic testing.
It is believed to be the second attack on a duck at the Kingsbridge park and lake. A resident said another duck had been strangled in the past.