Gull 'shot with catapult in cruel killing' - RSPCA

An animal charity is seeking answers after an "unspeakably cruel" attack in Kent where a gull was "killed with a catapult".

The RSPCA says it is looking into reports that a black-headed gull was shot with a catapult then dumped outside a house in Packham Road, in Northfleet near Gravesend, on 8 March.

X-ray scans showed that one of the bird's wings had been shattered by a metal shot, the charity added.

Geoff Edmond, RSPCA lead wildlife officer, said the charity was "really concerned" that animals were being deliberately targeted with weapons.

The charity said it believed the bird, which was taken to the Mallydams Wildlife Centre in Hastings, East Sussex, had been targeted by teenagers.

Adam Tasker, one of the charity's animal rescue officers, said: "It is really sad this beautiful bird appears to have died after being deliberately targeted, perhaps as part of a cruel game, and went on to experience horrendous injuries before dying."

Mr Edmond added: "We are really concerned to hear about incidents like this and it's particularly concerning to hear suggestions this attack may have been undertaken by younger people. It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for fun like this.

"While most people will be appalled by attacking animals in this way, sadly the RSPCA's experience shows that there are people out there who are deliberately targeting wildlife, pets and farm animals with airguns, catapults and crossbows. These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering."

An animal campaigner in Surrey had previously launched a petition, which gained more than 10,000 signatures, to ban the sale and public possession of catapults.

Danni Rogers, from Camberley, said there had been dozens of serious and fatal attacks on wildfowl and swans at the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary.

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