The Advertiser has kept a close eye on the injured bulbul that a Beyers Park resident spotted in his garden in mid-January, with a dart from a blowgun through its head and neck.
The dart entered the right eye and exited at the left side of the bird’s neck.
The resident, Brian Stratton, was advised by the Boksburg SPCA to feed the bird daily and to keep a box close to the feeding area to make it easier to catch the bird with a trap box.
Unfortunately, the SPCA was not able to catch the bird as planned because the bird did not come back for food.
“It is with much regret that I report the total absence of the bulbul from our garden for four weeks now,” said Stratton.
“We have searched in hope that it would show up again, but it has either moved out of the area or eventually succumbed to its injury.”
The manageress of the Boksburg SPCA, Maggie Mudd, who stayed in regular contact with Stratton, is convinced that the bird has died.
“This bird’s experience is extremely sad and unfortunate, and a reminder to us all that no animal, no matter how big or small, deserves to be ill-treated or be a victim of cruelty. The Boksburg SPCA reminds the community that serious steps will be taken against those who harm animals,” said Mudd.
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