Ducks killed in "very callous" attack in Wednesfield

Police and the RSPCA were alerted to a group of teenage thugs targeting the coots and mallard ducks near Devils Elbow Bridge in Wednesfield on the Wyrley and Essington Canal.

Two teenagers with a black dog, thought to have a docked tail, aimed at the birds, according to the RSPCA.

The bodies of four mallard ducks and two coots were later found where the male teenagers were seen, close to Clanfield Avenue.

Animal charity inspector Vicki Taylor, said: “The person who witnessed this said that it looked as though they were using ball bearings to catapult at the birds.

“Afterwards, the teenagers walked towards the Castlebridge estate.”

She added: “It is obviously very concerning that these birds were being shot at.

“Such unnecessary and callous attacks can cause a lot of pain and distress to birds, and are often fatal – such as in this case.

“It is so upsetting to think that people take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.”

Wednesfield North Councillor Phil Bateman said: “Local residents that contacted me described it as a ‘duck massacre’. This is a very worrying incident.”

Councillor Bateman said that back in July 2015 youths were seen at the site with pellet guns shooting ducks.

He said: “In a way we’re lucky we’re not reporting on these incidents more regularly, but once is too often as far as I’m concerned.”

Councillor Bateman added: “The police tell me that they are to continue their patrols of the canal and increase visibility in the area.”

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to take, injure or kill wild birds or interfere with their nest or eggs, unless under licence.

The maximum penalty is six months in prison and a £5,000 fine.

Anyone who has any information about the incident at the canal in Wednesfield that happened on April 29 is asked to contact the RSPCA in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018 or contact West Midlands Police on its hotline 101.