AN act of suspected animal cruelty has shocked wildlife rescuers after two gulls were found with severe injuries, believed to have been caused by a catapult.
On May 23, wildlife rescuers responded to reports of an injured gull on Lindfield Drive. The bird, discovered with blood on its side and a visibly dropped wing, was swiftly located and safely transported to a local wildlife centre for urgent care.
As rescuers were leaving the area, they found a second gull, already deceased, near the nearby common pond. The body was taken for examination due to the suspicious nature of its injuries.
After X-rays, it was discovered the deceased gull had a large ball bearing lodged inside its body, an injury consistent with a catapult strike. The surviving bird, too, had suffered a severe ‘coracoid fracture’, along with a wound in the same area, strongly suggesting it had been targeted in a similar manner.
Despite best efforts, both birds have died as a result of their injuries.
A spokesperson for East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service (WRAS), said: “This was a deliberate and devastating act. We believe these birds were intentionally targeted, and this level of cruelty is simply unacceptable. Incidents like this are becoming alarmingly common, and it must stop.”
The case has been reported to Sussex Police, who are now investigating.
Wildlife organisations are urging members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour involving catapults or attacks on animals, stressing the importance of community vigilance in protecting local wildlife.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Sussex Police or the local wildlife rescue service.
