Four seagulls were killed and another seriously injured after being run over this weekend.
According to reports, eyewitnesses claim the incident was intentional, saying they saw the driver ‘put his foot down’ and drive towards the animals with ‘the intention of running them over’.
An image of the birds was shared on Facebook, with a caption claiming that the perpetrator put food in the road to lure the birds, before deliberately hurting them.
‘Deliberately ran them over’
A woman told local outlet North Wales Live: “I didn’t see what happened but I spoke to people who did.
“A witness said they saw a grey car being driven by a young man with a passenger in the front seat. Apparently the driver put his foot down when he saw the seagulls and deliberately ran them over.
“The injuries those birds had were traumatic as their eyes were bulging and the wing of the seagull that survived was hanging off. It’s disgraceful, there is no need for it at all.”
‘Aware of the incident’
North Wales Police posted a Facebook status saying: “We are aware of the horrific incident in Llewelyn Road Llandudno in which a number of seagulls were killed after reportedly being hit by a vehicle.
“The RSPCA, which has investigative and prosecution powers has been informed and is looking into the matter.”
‘Illegal to intentionally kill’
The RSPCA released a statement about the incident saying: “It must have been very distressing to make such an upsetting discovery or witness this incident.
“Gulls and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal to intentionally kill, take or injure wild birds. Any action or deterrence can only be taken against them under license and we would always urge people to use non-lethal solutions.
“If anyone has any information about this incident, please report this to us on 0300 1234 999.”