FORTY dead pigeons – some with their heads cut off – have been found in a car park near Burton.
The shocking images, taken by police, show the dead birds scattered around the Scout headquarters car park, in Station Road, Rolleston-on-Dove.
The scene was discovered by locals and reported to Burton police yesterday.
A number of the birds had had their heads cut off and many more were strangled.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said the case was even more shocking as families of Scouts regularly use the car park.
He said: “It seems like many of the birds have been strangled and some have had their heads cut off.
“When I heard about this I couldn’t quite believe it. I am actually shocked by what I saw.
“The fact it is on a Scout hut car park which is used by families is quite shocking. This is a very bizarre case and I can’t understand anyone who would want to do this.” Chairman of Rolleston Parish Council Jamie Winstone said he had gone past the scene yesterday morning.
He said: “I am totally appalled and shocked at this act of what appears to be a mindless offence on animals.
“As a parish council we are appalled at what has happened and hope the police can find the person or people responsible.”
“All birds are protected and penalties for acts of this kind can be up to £5,000 per bird. The RSPB sincerely hopes the police are able to bring the offender to justice.”
The enforcement team of East Staffordshire Borough Council is also appealing for information and can be contacted on 01283 508576 or email enforcement@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk.
A council spokesman said the Street Cleaning Team had cleared up the site and it would continue to investigate.
The spokesman said the dead birds looked young and well-kept.
It is believed the birds were wild pigeons, and not homing birds.
