One of Reading’s legendary pets has been ‘shot dead’, according to her owners.

Missy the free-flying macaw, who was voted the town’s most perfect pet this year, was found dead in Water Road opposite her favourite park on September 20.

A pellet rifle or shotgun was used to kill the bright yellow and blue bird, her Tilehurst-based owners claimed on Facebook.

“Everybody is just devastated,” said Brenda Uwins, from Burghfield, who regularly photographed the parrots.

“It was so lovely and exciting to see them. It’s just tragic to think that someone, who is evil, could do that.”

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“What is really tragic is that her companion is pining and he may pass away because they literally die of hearbreak.”

Reading Chronicle: Picture courtesy of owner AdamPicture courtesy of owner Adam (Image: .)

Missy was one half of a pair of Macaws. Her partner Cairo has been left continuously calling and looking for her each day, the owners wrote.

The incident occurred opposite prospect park between 3pm and 4.20pm.

Missy and Cairo were trained by Adam, 34, from Tilehurst and his brother to fly outdoors in a local park and until now, both aged five, they could be seen soaring as far as Oxfordshire.

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Describing the pair in July, Adam said: “Missy is cheeky and naughty, a non-stop talker sometimes. Cairo: When he’s indoors he seems all quiet but once he’s out he’s like a changed bird. He loves flying in any weather.”

At home, Cairo liked to chill in his cage while Missy took up a spot in the living room, he said.

Hundreds of people have expressed their sadness at the death of Missy on social media, as the owners appeal for footage from CCTV cameras, doorbell cameras and dash cams or any information about the death.