A Dorchester city councillor has spoken of her shock at reviews that teams of youths have been killing geese by catapulting them.
Cllr Fiona Kent Ledger stated the “abhorrent” acts have been “heartless and inconsiderate”.
Police are persevering with to patrol the River Frome in Dorchester after reviews that teams of youths may have killed over 20 ducks.
The lifeless birds have been found alongside the banks of the River Frome in Dorchester.
Youths have beforehand been noticed focusing on different birds with catapults.
Cllr Fiona Kent-Ledger stated: “I think is heartless and thoughtless.
“It is either someone not thinking it through or wanting to harm a living creature and that isn’t acceptable.
“I just don’t understand why people would want to kill another animal.
“It is abhorrent, it is like people drowning kittens or torturing cats.
A spokesperson for Dorchester Police said: “The Dorchester Neighbourhood Policing Team have previously had reports of seagulls being catapulted and injured by a group of youths.
“Over the last few days, more worryingly, we have had reports of 20 plus dead ducks being found along the riverwalks, Dorchester.
“If you see any such behaviour then please phone in immediately with any descriptions, direction of travel and any names known. Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to patrol the area.”
Since then officers from Dorset Police Rural Crime Team have been patrolling the area alongside the RSPCA.
The Rural Crime Team has been working alongside the RSPCA to help tackle the issue (Image: Dorchester Police)
These teams have been gathering information and intelligence and are using a “specialist partnership approach” to deal with those responsible and try and prevent the deaths of the ducks.
Swans have also reportedly been targeted by the youths wielding catapults.
Police have encouraged locals to continue to report any information about the issue.
Cllr Kent-Ledger added: “I think it is good that police are stepping up their presence in the area, it is a highly used area for lots of dog walkers and toddlers in prams, we don’t want anyone hit by stray catapults.
“I urge residents not to challenge anyone with a weapon of any sort, but please continue to report anything to police.”
The deaths of the geese come after college students from Budmouth Academy have been reportedly seen throwing bread onto the street, attempting to lure seagulls into oncoming cars in Weymouth final month.
Seven gulls have been killed immediately after being run over and one other 5 have been taken to a close-by vet the place they needed to be euthanised.
The youths have been reported to be carrying Budmouth Academy uniforms.
A spokesperson for the college stated: “We are disenchanted that three members of the college group engaged in reckless behaviour on their approach home from college final week.
“We take animal welfare very severely. The college students concerned have been recognized and we’ve got engaged with their mother and father and ensured that applicable sanctions and schooling have been put in place.”
