A hunt has been launched for three teenage girls after a pigeon was beaten to death in the street.
The battered bird was found under a hedge and was rushed to a vet, however it was so badly injured staff were forced to put it to sleep.
Three girls were seen ripping the bird's feathers out and kicking it on August 3 in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, before it managed to hide under a hedge.
RSPCA animal collection officer Cara Gibbon, who arrived to collect the bird, said: "This has upset me quite a lot.
"This poor bird suffered completely unnecessarily because of the cruel actions of three people.
Have you been affected by this story? Email webnews@trinitymirror.com
"A member of the public saw three teenage girls tormenting the pigeon with a large stick before the pigeon dragged itself away and hid under a hedge.
"It was clear when I collected the pigeon that it had been whacked over the head.
"When I examined the pigeon I could see immediately the extent of his injuries.
"His head was flopped to the side and he was 'ticking' which is usually a sign of head or brain trauma.
"It is so sad that this bird suffered in the way he did, no animal should ever have to go through something like that."
News of the horrifying attack comes after three puppies dumped in a lay-by on one of the hottest days of the year died.
It's thought the trio were dumped by cruel puppy farmers after contracting parvovirus.
