WILDLIFE rescuers have issued a warning following a number of animal cruelty incidents in Hailsham and other parts of East Sussex.
The plea, issued by East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS), comes after the charity received several complaints about youths throwing stones at waterfowl and seals, kicking waterfowl and shooting ball bearings at wild birds in recent weeks.
Incidents include a Canada Goose being injured after being kicked down an embankment at Hailsham Common Pond, and another Canada Goose being injured and killed by a ball-bearing shot from a catapult at Hailsham Country Park.
There have also been reports of young people throwing stones at resting seals, prompting WRAS rescuers to attend Seaford and Eastbourne seafront, in partnership with British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
Trevor Weeks from WRAS said: “On Monday I rushed down to Hailsham Country Park after reports of a Canada Goose having just been hit by a young person using a catapult.
Sadly, the goose was floating in the water dead when I arrived. The body was still warm. The remaining parent which is now having to raise seven goslings on its own was looking very perplexed.
I worry about these young people. There is a direct link between animal abuse and domestic violence, including child abuse, elder abuse and other violent behaviour. I just hope that these people can be stopped and can start to receive the help that they need.”
WRAS often treats wildlife victims of air gun attacks, such as badgers, foxes, gulls, and swans, which suffer from infections due to non-fatal shots. A fox in Hailsham survived for weeks after being shot in the face with an air rifle, only to succumb to infection and jaundice.
The charity emphasises that harming or disturbing wild birds without a proper license is illegal and ethically wrong.
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service is asking the public to be vigilant and report any instances of cruelty toward wildlife by young individuals.
