Animal cruelty allegations as endangered eggs ‘trampled’

WILDLIFE: Pupils at Monifieth High allegedly smashed oystercatcher nest

Animal cruelty claims are being probed at a Tayside school after teenagers allegedly “trampled” on a nest of endangered bird eggs.

Senior teaching staff at Monifieth High School are investigating an allegation oystercatcher eggs were smashed by pupils, who may have been as young as 13.

Upset pupils who witnessed the incident, said to have taken place on school grounds, reported their fears to the teachers.

Animal charities have also launched their own investigations into the incident.

Oystercatchers are protected by law and considered endangered.

Parents described the allegations as “shocking”.

One father, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect his child, said: “It’s third year kids that are meant to have been involved – they’ve found this nest full of eggs and trampled on them. “I just don’t understand it – it is mindless cruelty.”

The area in which the nest was allegedly destroyed is understood to be covered by CCTV.

Oystercatchers are considered a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and have been given “amber” conservation status by the RSPB because of a decrease in numbers.

Angus Council is investigating the incident, while police wildlife officers are understood to also be making inquiries.

A spokesman for Angus Council said: “We have been made aware of an alleged incident and are looking into the matter. Appropriate action will be taken if required.”

A police spokesman said: “We have been made aware of the incident and are making inquiries.”

The Scottish SPCA has also launched an investigation.

Oystercatchers are considered a protected species.