A STRICKEN Canada goose which was shot with a crossbow remains at large despite more than 30 attempts to rescue it.

The horrific attack by two ‘laughing’ yobs at the bank of the Rochdale canal, off Kingsway, provoked international outrage after the Observer featured the shocking story and pictures of its plight in March.

One animal welfare charity – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – even offered a £1,000 reward to catch those responsible.

But, despite more than two months passing since the incident was first reported, experts have been unable to capture the goose, which is thought to still have the arrow embedded in its back.

RSPCA inspectors mounted a number of dawn rescue bids in an effort to try to take the bird by surprise but their attempts failed with the goose flying off when approached.

A spokeswoman for the charity said that the animal had not been spotted recently in the vicinity but she remained ‘hopeful’ that it would be rescued.

She added: "Sadly, despite RSPCA inspectors making over 30 visits to the area and repeated attempts to rescue the goose, it so far remains at large.

"On our most recent visits the goose could not be seen in the vicinity. However, inspectors will continue to visit as often as possible to try to locate and rescue it."

She renewed her appeal for help from the public and urged anyone who spots the goose or has information about the attack to contact the RSPCA cruelty and advice line on 0300 123 4999.