Domestic duck found with blow dart in head in Spring Lake

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SPRING LAKE, Utah (ABC4) — A domestic duck was found injured with a blow dart lodged through his head in Spring Lake, Utah, Saturday morning.

Wasatch Wanderers, a non-profit animal rescue organization, called the incident “a disturbing act of animal cruelty.”

Some locals found the injured bird struggling and reached out to Wasatch Wanderers Animal Rescue, who were reportedly able to safely capture him and take him to a veterinarian. Due to the severity of his injuries, the duck had to be humanely euthanized.

Domestic duck found injured with a blow dart lodged through his head in Spring Lake, Utah. (Courtesy of Wasatch Wanderers)

“This duck was clearly suffering,” said Adri Ballif, President of Wasatch Wanderers. “He had been illegally abandoned at the pond, a place where domestic ducks cannot survive on their own, and then someone deliberately shot him. It’s heartbreaking and completely unacceptable.”

Domestic ducks, once abandoned by owners who no longer want them, are dependent on humans for food. They also cannot migrate, and often fall victim to predators, starvation, or cruelty, according to Wasatch Wanderers.

“It is illegal to harm or shoot any duck, wild or domestic, at public ponds or lakes,” a press release from the organization states. “Local authorities have already been notified of this incident, and the public is urged to come forward with any information about the person responsible.”

If you have any information regarding this incident, please reach out to Utah County Animal Services at 801-794-3970. The Utah County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they have an active case being investigated by their Animal Control deputies.

Wasatch Wanderers urges the public not to release pet ducks or other domestic animals into the wild.

“Abandoning animals is illegal, cruel, and leads to suffering or death,” the release states.

No further information is available at this time.