Duck stable after five crossbow shots

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- A duck found shot five times with a crossbow in San Diego is in stable condition after surgery by an avian specialist, authorities said.

Lt. Dan DeSousa of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services said the duck was discovered Wednesday with five 8-inch-long metal bolts embedded in its body, including one bolt through the top of its head, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Thursday.

"I'm amazed that the bird is still alive. Somebody used this thing for target practice," DeSousa said. "They shot it through the top of the head; they thought they'd finish the bird off."

David Johnson, animal medical operations manager for the Department of Animal Services, said veterinarian Jeffrey Jenkins, an avian specialist, surgically removed the bolts.

Johnson said the bird is in stable condition.

"He is probably the luckiest duck in San Diego County right now," Johnson said.

DeSousa said the shooter could face felony animal-abuse charges if located by police.