Kent Police is investigating after a seagull was killed in Broadstairs by a shot to the head, suspected to have been inflicted by either a BB gun or a catapult.
The dead bird was found in Pierremont Park and a report made to police on June 1.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police is investigating a reported incident of animal abuse involving a seagull in Pierremont Avenue, Broadstairs. Enquiries are ongoing anyone with relevant information should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 02-0683.”
Its understood Kent Police’s Rural Team will monitor the situation.
Resident Vic Jenkins made the report to police and says he informed officers that there was CCTV of the culprits and the killing but it has not been requested from him.
He added: “The youths were walking through a busy public park indiscriminately targeting wildlife and also hit squirrels. Evidence points towards large metal ball bearings being used, as these have been sighted in the park and the injury to the gull penetrated its skull cleanly.
“The kiddies play area is a short distance from where this happened and indeed the suspects would have walked right past it with their weapons. I don’t feel Kent Police are interested in pursuing this even though we have evidence on a plate for them.”
Recent incidents of animals been targeted with weapons such as catapults have recently been recorded in Herne Bay and in Sheppey – where two ducks were killed and a number of ducklings injured.
Intentionally killing, injuring, or taking wild birds or protected species is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Catapults are classed as offensive weapons if they are being carried with intent to cause harm although there is no age limit on buying one.
Last year Kent Police launched a catapult crackdown in response to some 14 calls per day during that summer relating to the use or possession of catapults.
Absolutely shocking, and the culprits will escalate to more serious crime. If I had my way, a punishment of pain would be inflicted on them once convicted, but in this country we pay for legal aid for them and we will make excuses for them!
You need to understand the concept of gentle parenting. Children are free spirits, and need to be raised to do whatever they choose, aided by their caregivers. ‘Time out’ is child abuse, as is ‘naughty step,’ Nowadays there are no consequences…. Idiocy at it’s most extreme IMO.
Broadstairs used to be the most quietest place in the country.
Time to patrol the streets and catch the morons committing such cruel crimes.
Personally I would lock up whoever carried out such an inhumane act.
SHOOT THEM-LOWLIFE SCUMS
May the b’stards be eternally crapped on!
My neighbour found a dead seagull in her garden that looked shot in the head a couple of weeks ago in a road close to this latest incident, possibly shot at whilst being on the roof !
Too much of a coincidence!
Did she report it to the police?
She certainly did Peter !
So many young gulls are killed every season on the roads by people who just won’t give them the time to get out the way. This, too, is unacceptable. But it happens every day.
Just more examples of lawlessmess, and anti social behaviour, going unpunished!
The seagulls will get their revenge, they always do.
Shows just how horrible some people are. But what doesn’t help is that it is seen okay by many that cowards like the royal family, David Beckham, Guy Richie and Vinnie Jones all like to blow the brains out of thousands of pheasants. All of these people are so cruel and sheer nasty.