A £1,000 reward is being offered to catch thugs who shot a goose with an arrow, leaving it embedded in its back.

Readers were horrified by pictures in the M.E.N. of the stricken bird in Rochdale Canal.

Residents reported seeing two youths, one armed with a crossbow, laughing as they strolled away from the canal.

Now animal charity PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - is offering £1,000 to catch those responsible, describing what happened as 'an horrific crime'.

Suzanne Barnard from PETA said: "Putting a stop to violent tendencies as soon as they become apparent must be a priority and is everyone's responsibility."

RSPCA officers have tried to catch the Canada goose but each time it has flown away.

Inspector Caroline Hall said: "It's quite clearly in some pain. You can see it gnawing at the arrow and trying to pull it out.

The rest of the group know it is hurt and think it may attract predators, like dogs and foxes, so they are shunning it. We need to get it x-rayed and find the extent of the damage."

But Insp Hall is confident of success. She said: "We will catch it, don't worry about that. It's what we're here for. If an animal is in pain we won't stop until we relieve that pain."

Insp Hall thanked the public and asked for their help.

She said: "We've been inundated with calls from people saying they have spotted it. We know where it is now and would ask they don't call any more. But we need passers by not to feed it or attempt to catch it themselves. It makes our job harder.

"And of course, if anyone knows anything about who was responsible please come forward. You can remain anonymous if you wish."

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999


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