Police appeal after duck tortured in Southampton park
It happened on bank holiday Monday
Last updated 11th May 2023
Police are searching for group of teenagers who were seen torturing a duck in Southampton.
It happened in Riverside Park in Bitterne on Monday (8 May 2023).
A catapult was involved.
The duck didn't survive.
Officers have stepped up patrols and say they'll 'relentlessly pursue criminals so that their lives, not those of local people, are a misery'.
It is reported that the group were seen to be holding a duck by its wings and enacting acts of cruelty towards the animal at around 12.30pm.
Police are appealing for information, including any video footage.
Inspector Brian Goodall, said: “We fully appreciate that this incident will have had an impact in the community; especially for those who witnessed the incident.
“We want to reassure the community that we are engaging with the RSPCA and supplying evidence to them as part of their enquires. We also continue to carry out our own enquiries to thoroughly investigate any instances of anti-social behaviour and ascertaining if any criminal offences have been committed.
“We will relentlessly pursue criminals so that their lives, not those of local people, are a misery.
“Criminals need to know that Southampton is a hostile environment for them, and that every effort will be made to see justice served and hold them to account for their actions.
“My officers will continue to patrol Riverside Park as part of their routine patrols, as well as those areas in the vicinity, so please do speak to them if you have any concerns or issues that you would like to discuss with them.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 44230180616 or making a report via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.
Alternatively, you can contact independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A spokesperson from the RSPCA said: “We share our space with wildlife and need to show respect and kindness. Animals feel pain, just as we do. It’s saddening to think anyone could take pleasure from firing a catapult at a living creature.
“Such unnecessary and callous attacks can cause a lot of pain and distress, and are often fatal.
“Using a catapult to kill, injure or take any wild bird is a criminal offence under section one of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
“All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal - except under licence - to intentionally take, injure or kill wild birds or interfere with their nest or eggs.”