My dog has injured a bird

[sillyrubberduck]

Posting here for advice as not sure where is most suited.
Took my Springer for a walk in the snow today in a field, off lead. He suddenly dashed behind a hedge and came back holding a pigeon in his mouth. He dropped it when asked to do so and to my horror the pigeon had a bleeding broken wing. I felt extremely guilty , wrapped the poor bird in a fleece and took it home. I've put it in a box with a towel and kept it warm. Rang the vets who said they will put it down as they consider pigeons vermin but closed tomorrow due to flooding. My husband thinks he should humanely kill it, wringing his neck but I am not sure. Also called a local wild animals sanctuary today and the also recommended to put the poor bird to sleep. Please help. Any advice much appreciated. I feel so guilty for not spotting it on time and telling my boy to stay put.

Please don’t feel guilty, there is nothing you could/should have done but I can understand why you’re upset.

That’s so horrible, it’s really good if you to take it home and not leave it to suffer. Nobody seams to care about the welfare of pigeons , I had one stuck in my roof and they didn’t want to know. I don’t think you will get much help from charity to fix the bird. Do you think if you looked after the bird it would be able to fly and live a normal bird life. If not I think it’s kinder to help him go so he’s not in pain for longer than needed . Although I’m not sure I could do that, if it was me I would probably try and nurse him better but I’m a fool🤦‍♀️

I would agree with your husband. Farmers wife though so definitely vermin.

As an aside your dog us a good candidate for gun dog training. He may not gave injured it, may just have found it but did you a retrieve and drop. Impressive.

Thank you pilates I just want to do the right thing for the poor bird . Could not leave it there I the snow with a broken wing .

@Buzlightyear1 i thought about nursing it but need to take it to vets first to have it properly bandaged .Apparently it takes 2 weeks to heal. And they are closed due to flooding!
@pawivy , yes he would be a good retriever but gun shy unfortunately. His nose is fantastic and he's very hardworking and focused. A search dog maybe

I wouldn't worry. My dogs have caught grouse , pheasants , moles and a rabbit. The rabbit was lucky and made it away without injury. Mine have a strong prey drive. I cant stop the wildlife coming into my garden unfortunately.

I also agree with your husband (and hopefully he will do it for you), put it out of its misery as soon as possible. It will be in pain and shock.

I wouldn't wring its neck though, I suspect if you don't know what you are doing it might not work and just cause it more distress. As brutal as it sounds, use a shovel, brick or something similar.