A injured goose was rescued from the River Teifi in Cardigan on Tuesday.

The male, domestic goose was spotted by a passer by on the riverbank near the Red Lion pub bleeding heavily and moving lethargically.

When RSPCA Inspector Neill Manley arrived at the scene the goose had entered the water and a boat was need to reach him.

Inspector Manley said: “The goose was in a pretty bad way and needed urgent attention. Luckily he was spotted by a passerby who called us and we could launch a boat in order to get him to safety."

After some emergency veterinary treatment, the goose and his mate were transferred to Tinker’s Hill rescue centre at Amroth.

Centre owner Maria Evans said: ”The wound to the chest is about six inches wide and looks as if it could have been caused by a propeller and looks as if it could be a few weeks old. Sadly, I suspect the head injuries may have been caused by an airgun.

“I have never seen such appalling injuries on a living bird before. Fortunately this goose is a real feisty character which will help him to pull through. If we can avoid the wounds getting infected then he has every chance of making a good recovery."