*** Please note some readers might find the photographs below distressing***
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Volunteers from Australian Seabird Rescue (ASR) were left to pick up the pieces after a pelican was seriously injured in an alleged cruelty incident at the weekend.
On Tuesday about 3pm the group received a call about a pelican in distress at Preddys Wharf, Moruya.
The bird apparently had a broken wing.
As no ASR members were in the area, Peter West, a former member, was asked to help.
Mr West caught the bird and upon examination found the tip of its left wing broken clean off and another break closer to the shoulder.
The bird also had major bruising to the top beak.
Mr West said he took the bird to a Moruya vet where the decision was made to put it down.
"After many years dealing with injured seabirds I know that these injuries are consistent with boat or jet ski strike," Mr West said.
"A pelican is a large bird and slow to take off so makes an easy target for those who get a kick out of harming them.
“These injuries usually happen after holiday seasons or long weekends.”
Mr West said there were large fines for harming wildlife so if residents see this type of behaviour they should get the number of the boat or jet ski and report it to the police.
If you see an injured seabird call South Coast Seabird Rescue on 0431 282 238.