The bird was taken to the RSPCA’s facility at Stapeley Grange near Nantwich.
Centre manager Lee Stewart said: “From the amount of pellets we found, it’s clear that someone has set out to intentionally kill this peacock rather than taking a quick pot-shot and unfortunately they succeeded.”
Anyone caught deliberately using an airgun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act, according to the RSPCA.
The charity is urging anyone with first hand information about the incident to call its appeals line on 0300 123 8018.