Seagull attacked by barbaric youngsters

A wildlife charity was called following reports that a group of teenagers were throwing rocks at a baby seagull in Newhaven on Friday evening.

They said the bird had been decapitated and the youths were seen throwing its body about in Newhaven town centre on Friday evening.

On Sunday another gull was found shot and had to be put down.

Seahaven Wildlife Rescue said: “A group of teenagers were throwing rocks at a baby gull outside Peacocks in Newhaven during the evening.

“If that’s not sickening enough, they also decapitated this baby bird and tossed its body about.

We urge anyone if you witnessed this callous wildlife crime to phone 101 and report it. They cannot get away with such a barbaric act, they will just continue torturing animals.

“Just absolutely speechless at the barbarity of these kids.”

Gruesome

Justin King, who witnessed the aftermath of the incident on Friday said: “It was absolutely gruesome.”

“At approximately 5.45pm on Friday these kids were seen outside Peacocks.

“Rocks were thrown at the seagull.

“The gull got away and the youths collected the gull again.

“The bird was left under a weeping willow tree and it has been decapitated.

“It was so so gruesome.

“There were feathers everywhere and no head.

This is an example of the youths we have, not just in Newhaven and that’s bad enough, but everywhere.

“I won’t be sleeping for a couple of days after seeing that.”

On Sunday night Seahaven Wildlife Rescue were again called to an injured seagull.

When they found the bird in Peacehaven it appeared to have a broken wing.

It was taken to Coastway Vets, where it was found to have been shot.

They said: “The pellet clipped the wing tip but had entered his body, causing significant internal damage.

“Sadly the only decision that could be made was to prevent any further suffering to this dear soul.

“Rest peacefully dear gull.”

Both incidents have been reported to police.

Sussex Police has been contacted for comment about the two incidents.