NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Authorities are working to track down the suspect(s) responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a Canada goose in Norfolk.
Police say a concerned citizen called officers to the 2800 block of David Court Tuesday afternoon after finding the injured bird.
"I noticed something different about it," said Bill Snyder, who spotted the injured bird swimming toward him. "It was as if it were swimming away from whomever shot it. This is his only way out...because he was obviously..he was gonna die."
Animal Control Officer, Adam Blankenship arrived to find the injured goose swimming in the channel. He and Snyder's coworker rescued the bird using a canoe.
"I even named him Robin Hood, just because of the arrow and his fight to survive," said Blankenship.
Officials say the goose was unable to fly, find food or protect itself after being shot by an arrow.
The Virginia Beach SPCA Wildlife Center has to euthanize the goose.
The arrow was removed safely, but the area where the goose was shot was infected, according to Barbara Gipson, Wildlife Director. The goose also had a fractured leg that was not able to be mended.
Officials also found multiple pellets inside the goose that they expected would lead to lead poisoning.
Police say it is a federal offense to shoot geese.
Find the rules and regulations, here.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 in exchange for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the crime.
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-800-LOCK-U-UP.
