Belfairs non-aligned councillor Stephen Aylen has urged residents to contact police if they see wildlife being targeted in Belfairs Park after rising reports of a group of youths shooting catapults at animals.
The most recent incident took place on Tuesday, according to Mr Aylen, who claims there have been a number of examples of squirrels dying over the last month.
Attacks – Mr Aylen has heard reports squirrels being killed (Image: Google Maps)Mr Aylen claims both police and the council’s civil enforcement officers are aware and carrying out additional patrols.
He said: “This is happening almost every day in Belfairs Park, near the white gate area, and people have been reporting it.
“What will happen if they miss and hit somebody? They are carrying a weapon in a public place as well.
“They have a dog and they shoot the squirrels while the dog goes and gets them, this has been reported across the entire Christmas period and started around December 16.
“It is just unnecessary, you just don’t do that as you can wound the animal and while people have mixed opinions on squirrels, you cannot go around shooting them using marbles and now nuts and bolts. It astounds me.”
Mr Aylen added that he is encouraging people to report the incidents, that have seen around 20 squirrels killed, to the police and to avoid confronting those responsible.
He said: “Do not go up to them and challenge them, report it to the police immediately and do not confront them.
“The police are aware and there have been council civil enforcement officers and park rangers sent down there as well.
“The incidents are getting significantly worse though. When I got the first report, I thought it was a one-off and then I got another and another, all from different people.
“They are getting more frequent and the attacks are getting more bold and my main concern remains that the park is so crowded and lots of people are walking around at all times.”