RSPCA officials are warning youths in Loftus they face prosecution following a series of sickening air rifle attacks on animals.
The warning comes after an 80-year-old man found six young chickens, two geese, four ducks and a cockerel shot dead on his allotment at the back of Loftus Cricket Club last week.
The man was described by Cleveland Police as being in an extremely distressed state. It is the second time in a year that poultry belonging to the man has been killed and he had only recently restocked his allotment.
The latest incident is believed to have occurred between 7am and 4pm on Wednesday, August 3. Police, who described the incident as 'sickening', also found birds killed with air rifles in the nearby cemetery area.
A spokesman for the RSPCA said the charity was pressing the Government to change its laws on the use of air guns. He added: "We have enormous sympathy for this man it must be devastating for him."
The spokesman said if the young thugs could be traced the RSPCA would consider charges against them. He urged anyone with information to ring its hotline on (08705) 555999.
Police are also appealing for anyone with information to contact PC Andy Simpson or PC Ann Turner at Loftus station on (01642) 326326
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