A MAN tied a chicken to a tree and then instructed his eight-year-old son how to shoot it with a crossbow.

Blackburn magistrates heard the boy fired two bolts at the terrified animal and when they bounced off his dad moved him closer.

The third bolt went through the chicken’s neck before Peter McCauley stepped forward and fired a bolt which also went through its neck.

The court was told McCauley then pulled out both bolts while the chicken was still alive.

McCauley recorded the whole horrific incident and then posted it on social media.

McCauley, 28, of Rhyddings Street, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to do 200 hours’ unpaid work and pay £400 costs and £128 victim surcharge. He was banned from keeping animals for five years.

Deputy District Judge Roger Lowe described it as a “terrible” offence.

“It was aggravated by the fact you had your eight-year-old son with you and encouraged him to shoot the crossbow at this poor animal,” said Deputy District Judge Lowe. “You added insult to injury by posting this on social media.”

Paul Ridehalgh, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said they received a complaint from a member of the public who had seen a number of videos showing McCauley and his son firing crossbow bolts at a domestic hen.

Mr Ridehalgh said the footage showed the hen tethered to a tree by its leg. McCauley and his son were both holding crossbows.

“The defendant could be heard instructing the boy what to do,” said Mr Ridehalgh. “He fired two bolts which hit chicken but bounced off. The boy moved closer, and still under instruction from his dad, fired again. This time the bolt penetrated the hen’s neck.”

Mr Ridehalgh said McCauley fired a bolt at the bird which also penetrated its neck. “The bird was still alive when the defendant pulled the bolts out,” said Mr Ridehalgh.

McCauley then showed the boy how to pluck the chicken.

A vet who viewed the videos said the bird was conscious when it was shot at and reacted by vocalising and trying to escape.

“He said it was clear the bird had suffered and displayed fear and distress,” said Mr Ridehalgh.

He said it had been deliberate abuse and the bird died after suffering a high degree of pain.

“There was limited co-operation with the investigating officer and it is clear he doesn’t think he has done anything wrong,” said Mr Ridehalgh.

Gareth Price, defending, said the animal was already injured and his client recognised its life was going to come to an end. “I am in no way seeking to minimise the offence but it may have been a misplaced attempt at education,” said Mr Price.

He said the defendant had mental health issues and had taken an allotment and started keeping animals and growing vegetables as a therapy.

“He knows he should not have done it and should not have involved his son,” said Mr Price.