The cockatoo was dubbed Mr. Cocky by its rescuers. And for good reason: this sulphur-crested cockatoo literally defied death. It was found in a garden in Sydney and taken to the Avian, Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital in Camden in critical condition.
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After an x-ray, the veterinarians discovered that the animal had three bullets from the same firearm lodged in its abdomen. Another two, from a separate air gun, were lodged in its shoulder and head. Miraculously, the bird appeared to be largely unaffected by the ordeal and veterinarians say it has recovered well.
Animal cruelty is a serious offence
At the moment, there is no information on the person who shot the cockatoo. "They [sulphur-crested cockatoos] are pretty loud," said veterinarian Lorenzo Crosta. "Maybe it was annoying someone, or maybe two kids being stupid. Maybe he was just really unlucky and got shot by one person and flew away and got shot by someone else." It's also possible that Mr. Cocky was hit by stray bullets... There's no way to determine what happened at the moment.
Whoever attacked Mr. Cocky, however, should know that their actions are strictly prohibited by the New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Act.
If they are identified, they could face a fine of up to $ 88,000. In France, serious abuse and acts of cruelty towards a domestic animal, regardless of whether it's tamed or held in captivity, are punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a £ 27,000 fine.
