A SEAGULL which was kicked and tormented by youths in Malvern has been put to sleep.
Police and an officer from the RSPCA were called out to rescue the bird after they received reports last Monday (July 13) about 8.30pm.
Three boys were seen attempting to force the animal onto Pickersleigh Road and were also caught trying to record their actions on their mobile phones.
RSPCA inspector Pippa Boyd said when she found the gull it was struggling to fly.
She added she took him to Vale Wildlife Hospital, near Tewkesbury, where sadly he had to be put to sleep, on veterinary advice, because he had a nasty fracture on his right wing.
She said they did not know if the fracture was caused by the actions of the young people or whether it had happened prior to the incident.
Ms Boyd said: “We would like to remind people we take cruelty to animals very seriously and causing injury to any wild bird can result in prosecution, a prison sentence and a fine of up to £20,000.”
One of the culprits was a tall boy and had blond hair, another was short with blond hair and the third was described as fat and looking ‘like he was from the Goonies’.
Anyone with any information should call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.