Wild Bird Slaughter Shocks Hartley Wintney
Police are hunting vandals who used an air rifle to kill several wild birds at a Hartley Wintney duck pond. The brutal attack happened between 7pm Monday, May 23, and 1pm Tuesday, May 24, near the Fleet Road and High Street junction.
Deadly Attack on Local Wildlife
Witnesses report multiple birds were shot dead, including two recently hatched geese, two wild ducks, a female Muscovy duck, and a Moorhen. Another duck, shot in the head, was rescued and rushed to vets, where it’s expected to recover fully.
Community Outraged
PC Geoff Hill slammed the attack, saying, “It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to kill, injure or take any wild bird.” He added, “The duck pond is at the heart of the village and has provided amusement for generations of families. It is disgusting that someone should curtail this by killing innocent and defenceless wildlife.”
Call for Information
Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and help catch the culprit behind this shocking wildlife crime.
