A NUMBER of birds have been discovered dead in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Blackburn after being shot with an air rifle.

People passing by a bridge over the canal in Moorgate Street contacted the RSPCA after two ducks and a goose were found floating in the water with holes in their chests.

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Jason Bowles, who attended the scene on behalf of the charity, said that he suspected that more animals would be found in the coming days and that he had received reports that a swan had also been killed.

The animal organisation is appealing for anybody who has information to contact the charity.

RSPCA inspector Bowles said: “This unfortunately is quite a common occurrence across East Lancashire.

“It’s desperately sad this has happened again and we want to do all we can to put a stop to this behaviour.

“First of all it is an offence to kill wild birds and it’s a firearms offence to shoot an air rifle in a public place.

“It really is not a sport to fire lower-power firearms at animals.

“I suspect the number of animals discovered will grow over the coming days.

“Shooting ducks and geese is not legal on the canal and its unlikely they died immediately with low power weapons were likely to suffer slow deaths.

“These people are likely to have caused great and prolonged suffering to these animals.”

Damian Talbot, ward councillor for Mill Hill, said: “I endorse the officer’s comments and condemn the people involved in this.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed this to report it as soon as possible. It’s disgraceful and tragic that creatures are being killed in this way.

“The canal is an important area for leisure, and this section is quite attractive and walked frequently by dog walkers.”

Anybody who has any information is encouraged to call the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 and quote log number 607/16/4/15.