South Tyneside Council is urging members of the public to help stop sickening crimes against wildlife at the Borough's Local Nature Reserves and wildlife areas.
In recent weeks there have been several rabbit carcasses found at Marsden Old Quarry Local Nature Reserve. Some have been ripped apart and others have been shot. There have also been reports of men with dogs and guns entering the site, usually at night or very early morning.
This cruelty has appalled Councillor Jim Perry, Lead Member Environment and Transport who said: "I can only assume that the rabbits are being targeted for 'sport' by these individuals and their animals. But they need to know their activities are against the law and the Council's Countryside Team is working with the police on this matter."
A live mammal trap has also been found on Council land along the River Don in Jarrow. The wire cage trap is the right size to capture small mammals such as water voles or rats and has raised fears that they are being used for dog-baiting.
Councillor Perry added: "As water voles are Britain's most endangered mammal, we are extremely concerned about the possibility of them being trapped in this way. No decent person would wish to see any animal, including rats, being subjected to a cruel and inhumane end by being ripped apart by another animal for the so called 'entertainment' of sick-minded individuals."
"It is sometimes thought that birds and animals considered by some to be vermin can be killed at anytime by anyone. This is not the case and South Tyneside Council does not permit any kind of hunting activity on its land. Anyone engaging in this kind of activity is breaking the law and the Council will take action against them."
Residents are being urged to contact the police immediately if they see anyone with a gun, including an airgun on public land or if they see people hunting with dogs on Council-owned land.
Anyone who has any information that might lead the Council to the perpetrators, or have observed people carrying out this type of activity is asked to contact either the Council's Countryside Officer, Clare Rawcliffe tel: (0191) 424 7423, email: countryside@southtyneside.gov.uk or the Police Wildlife Liaison Officer, PC Peter McCready on 03456 043 043 ext 69191.
Caption: Senior countryside officer Matt Hawking with Councillor Perry with an illegal mammal trap.
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