In the last two weeks alone, the municipal hunter in Karlskoga has had to kill about thirty birds.
That after he was contacted by people who witnessed small animals being tortured, injured and used as footballs.
- Just yesterday I had to euthanize a bird with broken legs and wings.
Nothing can be done about it, says municipal hunter Jan Lund.
Adults are asked to mark
According to the police in Karlskoga, the phenomenon of young people tormenting small animals is recurring and goes in cycles.
They look very seriously at the information that the municipal hunter has now provided.
Adults are asked to clearly mark if they witness the animal cruelty in question.
Partly to report so that the police are aware of what happened.
Andreas Petterson, municipal police in Karlskoga
- Of course it's terrible with an animal that tries to run away and then there are several people who hunt, poke and pull an animal that is defenseless, says Andreas Pettersson, municipal police.
Criminal act
Legally, it is a question of animal cruelty and young people over fifteen can be sentenced to a fine if a report and investigation results in the prosecutor choosing to proceed.
- For children, this can mean that social services are involved, says Andreas Pettersson.
According to Pettersson, it may be appropriate to visit schools to inform children and young people of the seriousness.
The municipality is planning an information campaign at the end of August.
- It feels so pointless with such a lack of empathy for the animals and I get really depressed, says Jan Lund.
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