Ducks Attacked With Blow Darts In Santa Clara
SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) -- Wildlife rescue workers will try to find and rescue several ducks in Santa Clara that have been shot with blowgun darts.
At the Marina Playa apartments in Santa Clara, a four-inch blow dart with a green tip can be seen protruding through the head of a young mallard duck wading in a pond. The dart entered just under the duck's eye and came out through its cheek.
"Your heart breaks in every way when you see this kind of a thing," said a resident who only identified himself as Dimitry.
Dimitry told CBS 5 he was appalled after seeing at least five ducks struck by the blow darts.
The darts, typically made of hardened steel, and the blow guns are illegal in California. Besides animal cruelty charges, the shooter could also face state and federal charges.
A worker at the complex found one duck with five blow darts piercing its body. The worker tried to rescue the duck, but it died after being pulled out of the water.
The surviving ducks still roam about the manmade ponds and appear to be eating normally, but are likely in much pain. Wildlife workers plan on coming out to rescue them on Thursday.
Neighbors are fighting back by posting signs around the complex, an investigation has been launched by officials, and a $5,000 reward is being offered for the arrest of the shooter.
