The RSPCA is appealing for information after a gull was shot and killed by an air weapon in Lake.
The animal welfare charity was contacted by a concerned member of the public on 2nd May after the gull was found unable to move in a garden in Araluen Way, off Lake Hill.
RSPCA Inspector Mark Buggie, who is investigating for the animal welfare charity, said:
“The gull had been in a resident’s front garden for some time and did not move when approached so they called us to help.
“The bird was totally exhausted and had no use of their legs and a spot of blood on the underside of the body. Very sadly the injuries were serious for this poor bird and they had to be put to sleep.”
At a local vets, an x-ray revealed a pellet embedded in the gull’s body – suggesting that the bird had been deliberately attacked.
Mark added:
“This is such a cruel and cowardly act especially at this time of year when this adult bird should have been nesting. That’s not to mention how dangerous and idiotic it is to fire weapons in a built up area.
Article continues below this advertisement “We’re now issuing an appeal for information to try and find out who has done this. Anyone with any information is urged to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 or the Police on 101.
“Every year the RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate cases like this and help hundreds of animals that are the defenseless victims of air gun attacks.
“Cats and wildlife are normally the animals that are more susceptible to these incidents simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them. The injuries caused by such attacks are horrific and often fatal – as was the case with this poor gull.”
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal – except under licence – to take, injure or kill wild birds.
What a cowardly act from the perpetrator. Hope you get caught.
What a cowardly and low life thing to do.
I would love to find out who did this, and then discuss this at length with them.
They would not be doing this ever again.
MIsleading strap line. Gull was put down subsequently, not “shot and killed”.
seagulls are flying vermin and pidgieons are just crop eaters, ask any farmer
Wheres the farm here?..i suppose in your ideal world it would look like Nebraska but with no life…i thought we shared this earth with countless species, laugh my tits off if you came back as a seagull mate ..
They are living thing and DO NOT deserve to be shot by some idiot with an air rifle. This poor bird obviously suffered before being put to sleep. Sick twisted mind whoever did this.
Excuse me! Seagulls are protected so maybe they are not the vermin! Ask any human being!
There are some real scum on this island
My cat was shot twice by an air rifle, fortunately I’m a vet nurse and could get him quick medical attention. Police wanted nothing to do with it, even when I mentioned intentional damage of property. Happened around Marks Corner area.
Has no one noticed the pellet is in near perfect condition. pellets wouldn’t keep their shape in this situation.