SPCA investigates ducks shot with darts

Napier SPCA are appealing for help to catch "cowardly" attackers who have been firing darts from a blow gun at ducks in a local stream.

SPCA staff spent around six hours trying to catch the ducks, which still had darts sticking from their necks, Hawke's Bay Today reported.

SPCA team leader Natalie Morgans said one of the darts went straight through a female duck's neck.

The female had five ducklings who would be unlikely to survive if she did not make it, Ms Morgans said.

Another female had a dart stuck between her beak and eye, and a male had one on the right side of his head.

"It's cowardice to attack a defenceless animal, a mother with ducklings," she said.

Anyone with information on the attacks was asked to contact SPCA or police.

- NZPA