A Leominster vet, who operated on an injured barn owl and nursed it to full recovery, this week hit out at an unknown gun user who shot and almost killed the bird in a new incident.

"Who could be so sick as to shoot an owl?" asked Deborah Seamer, "They are beautiful birds. How anyone could shoot one I just don't know. I am gutted."

Arnold the owl may never fly again and his mate is noisily pining for him. The police were informed after Arnold was found weak and dying between Litmarsh and Bodenham close to his usual haunts.

He had been missing for a few days at a local barn which he visited for gifts of food (day old chicks). He had lost many feathers.

A gunshot pellet was lodged in his flesh and the wound became maggot infested.

"I thought he was going to peg out, " said Deborah who works at John Horlock's veterinary surgery.

The owl's wound was dressed twice daily and he was given antibiotics and forced fed until he began feeding himself.

Broken wing

It is the second time that Deborah has had to treat Arnold. He was first brought to her by the RSPCA in the autumn of 2000 after he was found on the outskirts of Leominster. His left wing was broken and twisted, possibly the result of a road accident.

The break was successfully repaired with a metal pin. Arnold was initially fed by a stomach tube and was hand-nursed for weeks.

He spent time in convalescence aviary and was later housed in an adapted section of a barn with a special balcony. He found a mate after being released to the wild.

He is now being cared for back at the barn by Tony Leach, who is feeding him once every hour through a syringe. X-rays show pins in the owl's left wing, repaired less than two years ago.

For a second time, it seems unlikely he will ever fly again. His right wing feathers are so damaged they may never re-grow.

"Its so cruel for Arnold to have come this far and for this to happen," said Deborah. "His mate has been calling a pitiful cry at night - barn owls pair for life.

"The incident has been reported to the police. Any information on who may be out there shooting our protected wild birds would be welcomed."