Police and animal welfare agencies have slammed an unknown offender who mowed down and killed a number of seagulls, calling the act an example of extreme animal cruelty.
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Five seagulls were killed and three were critically injured when a man placed a package of chips on the ground of the Little Bridge Street carpark before getting into his vehicle and driving straight at the birds on Thursday.
Crime Scene Unit Leading Senior Constable Dayna Mollison said distraught witnesses had seen the man turn off the headlights of his dark coloured sedan before driving at the birds and killing a number of them.
She labelled the intentional behaviour “aggravated cruelty”.
“It’s an appalling act,” Leading Senior Constable Mollision said.
Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service Ballarat branch leader Cherie Reid was called to respond to the mass killing.
“It’s definitely animal cruelty. It’s pre-meditated and it’s not on,” Ms Reid said.
“Onlookers watched on in shock as they saw birds with broken necks.”
The injured birds were rushed to an emergency vet and are now undergoing care.
Authorities said they have not seen a case of animal cruelty like this incident in a long time.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident in the supermarket car park at Little Bridge Street at 10pm on Thursday to contact Ballarat police on 5336 6000.
Olivia Shying
Police and emergency services reporter.
Police and emergency services reporter.
