Poisoned barn owl rescued by RSPCA after collapsing in field

The RSPCA has rescued a barn owl who had collapsed in a field and was unable to move – and now the bird is receiving expert care and rehabilitation at a wildlife hospital.

On Saturday, January 11, RSPCA animal rescue officer (ARO) Natalie Read received a call about a barn owl in the middle of a field off Ixworth Road A143 in Great Barton,

She explained: “The poor owl was freezing cold and appeared grounded as she couldn’t seem to use her wings.

“I collected her and took the owl to a specialist wildlife hospital – South Essex Wildlife Hospital – where they could investigate the cause of her weakness and hopefully help to rehabilitate the barn owl.

“We regularly work with this amazing charity and I’m so pleased that they could step in and help the owl.”

The barn owl is still in the care of South Essex Wildlife Hospital, based in Orsett, and is receiving expert care.

Sadly, a vet examination showed that the owl had suffered a small puncture wound on her right wing.

The owl was also flat and unresponsive on being admitted into their care which the vets believe was from secondary poisoning – where the bird has eaten a small animal which had poison in its system and has therefore become unwell herself.

Rodenticide poison is often seen as a “quick fix” but there are serious welfare issues with its use.

Users of rodenticide are legally required to take all reasonable precautions to prevent access to the poison by domestic and wild animals, and children.

In addition to the suffering caused to rodents by rodenticides, there’s also the potential risk of secondary poisoning, for example to barn owls, as in this instance, and pet cats.

Instead, the RSPCA advocates for humane deterrents to deter rats and mice – helping to mitigate these dangerous risks.

The staff treated the wound and administered antibiotics.

Although her recovery is slow, the hospital confirmed that she is showing good responses to treatment.

A spokesperson at SEWH, said: “This poor bird was found just in time but is sadly right on the line between life and death.

“Some days she fills us with hope and on others it seems like she has only gone downhill. We will do everything we possibly can to get her well, but her prognosis remains uncertain.”

For advice on what to do if you have concerns about a sick or injured wild animal, visit the RSPCA’s website