The RSPCA has launched an appeal after two gulls were shot within days of each other in Barry.
Two gulls were found to have been shot with pellets in Barry causing the RSPCA to be concerned. Both birds were found with pellets inside them and suffered broken wings. The birds were later euthanised due to the seriousness of their injuries and to prevent further suffering.
The first incident took place on Thursday, May 18 in the west of Barry and another incident happened at Charlotte Place on Sunday, May 21.
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Gulls, their eggs and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 therefore it is illegal to cause intentional harm, kill or take them. The penalties faced if caught deliberately using an airgun to injure an animal can be up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act. Each year the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty hotline receives hundreds of calls reporting airgun attacks on animals.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Gemma Black said: “It is very concerning that two suspicious incidents have happened concerning gulls within days of each other. We are very grateful to those who are already helping with our enquiries, but we’re keen to find out if these two incidents are related and - as suspected - were deliberate.
“We very much hope we don’t see any further incidents, but would urge the community to be our eyes and ears on the ground and make any reports to us if they witness animal cruelty.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
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