Duck dies after horrific attack by dogs

A duck was the victim of a vicious attack in Hailsham yesterday evening (June 12).
A mallard: 'This is a clear case of animal cruelty'A mallard: 'This is a clear case of animal cruelty'
A mallard: 'This is a clear case of animal cruelty'

The female mallard was attacked at Farne Close Pond, said a spokesman for East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS).

He said local people have been aware of a group of young men with lurchers and a small short haired breed disturbing the ducks there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Residents witnessed the horrific attack at around 7.30pm on Tuesday when shouts of “get it” were heard coming from the dogs’ owners.

The WRAS spokesman said three dogs managed to catch one of the ducks and “tear it apart” in front of distressed onlookers.

He said one witness confronted them and was greeted with “it’s only a duck” and “my dogs need feeding”.

The mallard was rushed to WRAS headquarters. Casualty Manager Chris Riddington said: “On arrival the duck was sadly almost gone. The bread that she was feeding on only moments before fell into my hand as her throat had been ripped open.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was horrific for the duck, the people that brought it in and the volunteers who tried to calm the finders down.”

The duck died from its injuries shortly after admission.

Mr Riddington continued: “This is just one of several incidents where young lads have been involved in attacking wildlife with dogs, air rifles or catapults and think that no laws have been broken.

“This attack can be covered under the Dangerous Dog Act Section 3 - out of control dog in public - the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Part 1 Section 1 and the Hunting Act 2004. This is a clear case of animal cruelty and clearly laws have been broken.”

Sussex Police have been notified and residents are looking for any witnesses to contact the police on 101 Ref 13/6 - 0165.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

WRAS is urging anyone who sees such a crime taking place to call 999 immediately or after the event to call Sussex Police on 101 to report the details.

WRAS founder Trevor Weeks said: “It is well known that those involved in wildlife crime are generally also involved in more serious crimes like violence and child abuse, theft, drugs and fraud.

“So we would urge anyone who witnesses such incidents to report them to the police straight away.”