A DUCK and 12 ducklings were rescued after they were shot at with an air weapon.
It is the latest incident of several reports of wildlife being shot at received by Derbyshire Police.
The pellet injured the mother duck on the beak. Both her and ducklings are now being cared for by the RSPCA after they were spotted in Wharf pond, Pinxton, on Tuesday, May 7.
They are now warning people to use air weapons responsibly.
PCSO Marion Jeffery, of the Pinxton policing team, said: "Air weapons are not toys and the pellets fired from them can cause serious harm to humans and wildlife if they are used recklessly or irresponsibly.
"It is an offence for any person without lawful authority or reasonable excuse to have an air weapon in a public place, whether loaded or not. All wild animals are also protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside act."
Anyone with information about animals being shot at should contact Derbyshire police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
