News / Reward for information on shot seals
ANIMAL rights campaign group PETA has offered £1,000 as a reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunman behind the shooting of six common seals in Shetland.
Last week the animal welfare charity Scottish SPCA confirmed they were investigating the death of the seals, found on a beach near Bridge of Walls.
Two of the seals were carrying full term pups and would have given birth this month had they survived.
Common seals, also known as harbour seals, are a protected species, and it is illegal to kill them at any time of year in Orkney and Shetland
PETA is urging local residents to keep a watchful eye for anything suspicious in the area.
Animals are the perfect “practice” victims for people who tend towards violence because they cannot report their own abuse and can do little to fight back, the charity’s spokeswoman Suzanne Barnard said.
“Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals often go on to commit violent acts against their fellow humans.
“As long as the perpetrators of this crime are at large, other animals in the Shetlands – and even human residents – might be in danger.
“Animal abusers are cowards. They take their issues out on the most defenceless beings available to them.”
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the animal helpline of the SSPCA on 03000 999 999, its local office on 01595 840 321 or Shetland police on 01595 692110.
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