Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Reward to find rabbit killer firework thugs
Appeal after rocket was strapped to wild animal
A REWARD has been offered for information after a rocket was attached to a rabbit.
The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is offering £500 for information that could lead to a successful conviction following the discovery of the remains of the wild animal in Newcastle on Tuesday.
Spokesman Brendan Mullan said: “This is a horrific incident and we are appalled to see such barbaric abuse of our local wildlife.
“We c a n n o t c o mp re h e n d the motives of the individuals who carry out such brutal attacks against vulnerable animals like this.
“Unfortunately this is a stark reminder of the many challenges we are facing with regards to animal welfare Northern Ireland.
“We are encouraging anyone with information that may assist the PSNI to contact them on the 101 number.”
Sinn Fein councillor Willie Clarke said in the local community are “outraged”. He told the Mirror : “There was a lot of firework activity the night before this discovery and we did have to contact the police about that after complaints from residents. Then for a resident to make this gruesome the next day on the shocking.
“They had to move it to the side of the road in fear that a young child would see it on their way to school.
“We are shocked and outraged that someone would do this to a poor, defenseless animal.
“And if anyone out there knows anything, please bring that information to the PSNI and USPCA.”
The PSNI’S Wildlife Liaison Officer appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
They added: “Although police have not received a report in relation to the incident, police are aware and enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding this matter.” discovery road is just