A bird was killed and another “maimed” after they were shot with air weapons in a South London park today.
It was the 4th event in the previous 2 years, an animal rights activist has actually declared.
A dead mallard was found at Beddington Park on Wednesday (April 19) with a gunshot in its neck.
A Canada goose was likewise shot through the beak however made it through – it is being kept track of by residents.
Local animal rights advocate Saffron Gloyne said: “The mallard was shot in the neck and the wound bled out it would have been so painful.
“The goose is on the pond.
“The decision was it would be too stressful to move him, hopefully he can just live with the hole in his beak.
“It happened at night when they were settling down and sleeping; they would have been terrorised by the sound of gun fire.
“We really want the community to be aware there are a number of people walking around in our borough with these weapons. They are being used to kill or maim wildlife.
“I am worried because it has happened too often now for people to say it is a one off.
“The violence to another creature is devastating, you are always thinking what is going to happen next.
“I worry about what else the people walking around doing this are capable of. I have personally dealt with foxes who have been shot in the head.”
Saffron included that she supports a nationwide campaign to need individuals to have a licence to own air weapons.
She said: “I think there needs to be mandatory licensing of low powered air guns, they are used so often to target animals.
“I just don’t understand the purpose of these weapons and why anybody would buy one for their teenager.
“They are completely legal but they can cause death.”
The event was reported to the authorities and Saffron said last time the force increased patrols in the park.
However, she acknowledged it is a tough criminal activity to capture as CCTV just covers part of the 58 hectare park.
Sutton Council said it was not knowledgeable about any recent events of shootings in the park including its more secure parks group have actually been patrolling Beddington Park.
The Met Police was called for additional details.
