'It's barbaric': Wildlife rescuers believe 29 pigeons killed by slingshot in Southsea

080125 MER PIGEON ATTACK 2
The dead birds were found dotted around the beach by South Parade Pier. Credit: Brandon Pragnell, West Sussex Wildlife Protection

Wildlife rescuers have described the discovery of 29 pigeons, believed to have been killed with a slingshot, in Southsea as "barbaric".

The dead birds were found dotted around the beach by South Parade Pier on Monday 29 December.

The sightings were reported via Facebook community groups and members of Portsmouth Pigeon People - a community of bird lovers - went down to retrieve the bodies.

They were joined by volunteers from the West Sussex Wildlife Protection (WSWP) who found ball bearings and believe the animals were killed with catapults or slingshots.

One bird survived and was taken to Bognor Regis to be helped by the WSWP.

One bird survived and was taken to Bognor Regis to be helped by the West Sussex Wildlife Protection (WSWP). Credit: Brandon Pragnell, West Sussex Wildlife Protection

This pigeon had a ball bearing removed, the wound cleaned and is now recovering.

Louisa Hambrey, Portsmouth Pigeon People, was among the first people to arrive at the beach and see the slingshot wounds.

She said: "It's just barbaric. The one that survived would have been there all night in quite a lot of pain.

"It's definitely not the first time this has happened. It's becoming more of a regular thing. This is the largest scale I have seen it on but it's definitely become more of an issue.

"People see pigeons as vermin and sadly think they are disposable and think it's ok to torture them."

  • Louisa Hambrey, Portsmouth Pigeon People

Brandon Pragnell, wildlife rescuer, West Sussex Wildlife Protection, said the incident was reported to Hampshire Police.

Volunteers believe under 18s should be banned from buying catapults online or in stores, although vendors do have the right to refuse sale if they see fit.

He said: "The one survivor he had the slingshot ball bearing removed and the wound was cleaned. He is responding well to treatment and rehabilitation, with the hope he will be released in a couple of weeks time.

"It's absolutely disgusting. We see it all too often with birds and catapult attacks and children and teenagers being allowed to just go to a shop or purchase them online as easily as they can and cause mass carnage to our native wildlife."

Defra has been approached for comment.

  • Brandon Pragnell, wildlife rescuer, West Sussex Wildlife Protection

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