Man who brutally killed two herring gulls before impaling one on a fence jailed
A man who brutally killed two herring gulls before impaling one on a fence has been jailed.
Terrence Johnston cruelly attacked the chicks on a street in Sunderland in July this year.
The 41-year-old climbed a fence and caught a young gull before killing it and impaling it on the railings.
Minutes later, he then grabbed a second bird, swung it around and hit it off a surface before throwing it over the fence – causing fatal injuries.
Johnston, of Lewis Crescent, Sunderland, was subsequently arrested and later admitted the killing of two wild birds when he appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside last Monday (October 3).
On the same day, he was jailed for 16 weeks.
Rural Engagement & Wildlife Enforcement Officer, PC Peter Baker, said: “This is an appalling case and I am pleased Johnston’s actions have led to a jail term. There is never any excuse for this kind of abhorrent abuse.
“Both gulls were juveniles and had only recently fledged their nests. It is possible that they were not yet able to fully fly – so were defenceless.
“I sincerely hope this case sends out a strong message to everyone. Wildlife crime is something we take seriously and we are committed to taking swift and robust action against anyone who hurts or abuses animals.
“We will continue to work with our colleagues and partners, including the RSPCA, to educate those across our region of the importance of looking after animals.
“I’d like to thank the public for their ongoing cooperation and would encourage any incidents of animal abuse or cruelty to be reported to us or the RSPCA, so we can investigate and action can be taken.”
Anyone who witnesses cruelty or an animal in distress should contact the RSPCA direct or call police on 101.