—
A domestic duck found with an arrow through its neck at an Athens park has been treated and returned to its home.
The duck, named Daffy, was paddling around the duck pond in Big Spring Park Monday afternoon post-treatment, noisily scolding other ducks competing for bits of bread being thrown by visitors.
Athens Police Officer Paul Tucker, an animal-control officer, noticed the wounded duck early last week at the park, said Dr. Robert Pitman, the veterinarian who treats the city’s lost and unwanted animals. Tucker caught the bird and brought it to The Dog Pound on U.S. 72, which serves as the animal shelter for both the city and Limestone County, where it underwent treatment by Pitman.
“The arrow was sticking all the way through its neck,” Pitman said. “Luckily, it went between the duck’s windpipe and its spine.”
After deadening the duck’s neck, Pitman removed the arrow and allowed the bird to recover.
“The duck is able to eat and breathe well now,” Pitman said Friday morning.
Tucker retrieved the duck from the veterinary office sometime Friday afternoon and returned it to its home in the pond.
The only evidence of Daffy’s injury is a small, round spot on one side of the neck.
Police are uncertain who shot the duck. Anyone with information may call the Police Department at 256-233-8700.
Homepage
Related Photos
-
This white domestic duck had a traumatic week last week after an Athens police officer found it had been run through with an arrow at The Duck Pond in Big Spring Park. News Courier/Jean Cole
-
Athens Police Officer Paul Tucker holds a duck, whose neck has been pierced by an arrow, as it receives treatment from veterinarian Dr. Robert Pitman. Courtesy photo
Discussion
Domestic duck Daffy dodges death
- Top Local News
-
-
More police presence on the roads this weekend
Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said more officers will be out in force this weekend. More patrol cars will be seen in high-density areas, he said, while officers may also be conducting roadblocks in lower traffic areas.
Continued ... - New Hope man arrested for failing to register as a sex offender
- Ala. governor signs bond issues, campaign bill
- City to conduct water line maintenance Tuesday
- UPDATE: Fiery car wreck kills 2 in Limestone
-
More police presence on the roads this weekend
- Today's Local Feature
-
-
West Limestone seniors enter 'real world'
West Limestone seniors Anna Harper Gowan, Mitzi “Bugg” Grizzard, Olivia George, Andrew Gibson, Tyler Foust and Alex Elmore pose before Thursday’s graduation on a bright and blustery afternoon at James Kennemer Stadium. West had 88 graduates with Laura Martin and Rachel Stafford giving the honorary addresses.
- Ombudsman Center awards 43 diplomas
- Field day highlights end of school year
-
- State and Nation
-
-
Obama OKs honor for Birmingham bombing victims
Four girls killed in an Alabama church bombing during the civil rights movement are receiving the highest honor Congress gives to civilians.
Continued ... - Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys
- Hurricane center: Beware of the storm surge
- I-5 bridge collapse caused by truck hitting span
- 2 more arrests in London attack investigation
-
Obama OKs honor for Birmingham bombing victims
- Local Sports
-
-
Tanner duo selected for North-South football game
A pair of local athletes will represent Limestone County at the North-South football game later this summer.
Continued ... - Smith signs with NW Florida
- Athens Senior, Owens, signs with Faulkner
- Soccer teams named for 2013 All-Star Sports Week
- ACE IN THE HOLE
-
Tanner duo selected for North-South football game
- Sports
-
-
Gulf anglers get longer red snapper season
Gulf of Mexico anglers will have a longer red snapper season than they thought. A week before opening, regulators announced that the recreational season in federal waters for the popular game fish will be 17 to 34 days instead of nine to 28.
Continued ...
- Frazier leads Mississippi State past Texas A&M 6-4
- LSU blanks Alabama 3-0 in SEC tournament
- Bears LB Urlacher announces his retirement
- Bulldogs outlast Missouri 2-1 in 17 innings
-
Gulf anglers get longer red snapper season
- Lifestyles
- Calendar of Events
- Obituaries
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
