Five doves have been killed after being targeted by youngsters with catapults.
The first three are believed to have died at the scene of the incident while the other two were taken to Wildlife Aid Foundation by a witness.
However, both birds had sustained irreparable injuries, with one suffering a completely shattered wing, and the other, a broken beak.
The charity says it has reported the deaths to police.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is against the law to intentionally cause harm and/or injury to any wild bird.
Statement from WAF:
As signs of peace and love, these two doves were shown anything but those two emotions when they, along with three others, were targeted with catapults, once again, by kids.
Sadly, the first three are believed to have died at the scene, but in a bid to give the surviving two a chance, their rescuer brought them to us after witnessing and reporting the ordeal. Unfortunately, both birds had sustained irreparable injuries, with one suffering a completely shattered radius and ulna to its left wing, and the other a broken beak.
We must do better, as human beings, as members of society, and as a part of nature! We are devastated that these sense-less crimes still occur in a world where our understanding and knowledge of animals has grown exponentially. They feel, they fear and they deserve so much better!
This incident was reported to the police. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is against the law to intentionally cause harm and/or injury to any wild bird.
