Residents Desperate to Help Duck with Arrow in Head
By Josh Rojas, Reporter
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Bay News 9) — A Muscovy duck has been living in a St. Petersburg neighborhood with an arrow stuck through its head for months, and residents say nobody will do anything about it.
“It’s been there probably for six months or so since I’ve seen it,” said Gary Cherepon. “It’s a survivor. It’s still going.”
The duck lives in a fenced off retention pond near 4th St. N. and SE Lincoln Cir. N. in St. Petersburg. That location is right next to the J.Con Salon and Spa. Employees said they’ve seen the injured duck in their parking lot.
“He definitely has a tough time eating. Obviously, he’s getting food down but it looks, from what we can tell, it’s blocking, where he can’t swallow very well,” said hairstylist Sasha Ahles. “You’ll see him struggle for 30 minutes at a time just to swallow a nut.”
Ahles said salon employees haven’t had any luck getting the duck some help. That’s when she decided to contact us.
“It’s heartbreaking. Especially since no one’s coming out,” Ahles said. “It feels like no one cares for this poor little guy.”
Cherepon said he tried to capture the duck when it wanders into his backyard but it’s wary of people.
“I try to get close enough and try to get its confidence but it just won’t let me get close enough to grab it,” he said. “Looks terrible with an arrow through its neck, that’s for sure.”
Cherepon said there’s no doubt the duck’s a victim of animal cruelty.
“This doesn’t look like hunting. I don’t think many people hunt these ducks,” he said. “This was probably cruelty of some sort … it’s not a good thing.”
St. Petersburg Police said an officer went to investigate on Monday but did not find any suspects.
Pinellas Animal Control said they don’t usually respond to duck calls but will send an officer out to try and capture it. A veterinarian at the Gateway Animal Hospital said he’ll remove the arrow if someone brings the duck in.
“I’m glad he can finally get some help,” said Ahles. “Sooner would’ve been better.”
*For additional animal stories, click HERE.
