A CRUEL thug has used a nail gun to shoot a pigeon in Glasgow.

The animal was found with a six-inch nail shot through its beak on Thane Road in Knightswood at 3.20pm on Monday. 

Sadly, the bird was so badly injured it had to be put down by SPCA officers. 

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Glasgow Crime Stories: Fred West and his time in the city

The charity have blasted the incident as "horrific" as they have launched an appeal to trace the callous culprits. 

Paula Vallance, SPCA Senior Animal Rescue Officer, said: “The nail had gone right through the pigeon’s beak and out the other side of the bird’s head.

“The only way this could have happened would be for someone to shoot the pigeon with a nail gun.

“This is a horrific incident that would have left the bird in a considerable amount of pain and distress.

“Sadly, the injuries were so severe that the decision was made to put the bird to sleep and end its suffering.

“If anyone has any information on this incident we would ask that they contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”