Police have launched an investigation after three youths used catapults to kill two ducks and a goose along a canal in Kidderminster town centre.
The incident occurred on Thursday, June 4, when a member of the public reported seeing the youths attacking wild birds with catapults and metal ball bearings.
Officers from West Mercia Police's Kidderminster safer neighbourhood teams responded to the call and discovered the three birds had been killed. The suspects were searched at the scene and found to be carrying catapults and metal ball bearings, which were seized by police.
An investigation has been launched under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. A police spokesperson said: "On Thursday, June 4, officers from Kidderminster safer neighbourhood teams responded to a call from a member of public who had witnessed three youths using catapults against wild birds on the canal in Kidderminster town centre. On arrival officers found that two ducks and a goose had been killed. Three youths were searched at the scene and were found to have catapults and metal ball bearings on them. These were subsequently seized by the officers. An investigation is ongoing under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. Please continue to report incidents like this to police."
The killings have caused outrage among local residents and wildlife groups, who have condemned the act as cruel and unnecessary. The canal is a popular spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts, and the deaths of the birds have sparked calls for stronger measures to protect wildlife in the area.
West Mercia Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and the youths involved have not yet been identified or charged.
