Hi all,
I feel like all I do is come here with problems, sorry!
We have the decorator in this week and is doing one of the back bedrooms and he said he could hear some funny noises this afternoon, which turned out to be the nextdoor neighbours - with some form of gun!
They were firing it to make all the birds take off in our garden and then taking shots at them as they took off!
He's said who it was, the neighbour's son mostly but his mates too, like some sort of sick game.
From what I could see when I came home tonight there aren't any dead birds - and if I get my way there won't be!
If this continues to be their latest hobby I'll be going straight to the police! I'll also make sure to take photos and god forbid they get any birds, I'll keep them too.
I'm just so angry I cannot put it into words! But I could do with some advice; if this happens again does anyone know if there is anyone in particular I should be getting in contact with?
It all just beggars belief, it really does...
Yes get photos of the birds and perhaps it'd be best to get proof of this happening too as police don't like to intervene unless of course you have definate proof.
Police are a great option as are the RSPCA as this is definately a cruelty to animals case. 1 to 5 needs of animals and one of these is freedom from un-necessary stress
Hi Paul,
I can only Imagine how angry you must feel at the moment.I don't understand what goes through some peoples minds to do such things,It makes me really angry.I really feel for you and I'm sorry I don't know what to advise but I'm sure someone here can.
Littleowl
Hi Narvail,
thank you for your help. That was my thoughts exactly - although anger did cloud them when I posted (I was getting worked up). I'm working 2pm - 11pm tomorrow so will make sure I've shown the decorator how to use my camera before I go.
Littleowl - thank you anyway, you helped calm me down! My neighbours are a problem that I won't even go into here as it isn't the place. The trouble with privately own homes is its harder to get rid of nuisance neighbours!
Oh Paul
I am lost for words about what you feel at the moment having witnessed the behaviour of your neighbour. I would be in shock myself.
I am thinking that the weapon used is most likely to be an air-rifle. Air-rifles are considered as dangerous as any gun could be in the wrong hands (can take a child's eye out etc...). Simply to see any sign of the weapon in a public area is a no-no.
Please be careful not to show any signs of anger towards your neighbour, but instead try to pick up on as much evidence as your can. Your neighbours might be 'born' troublemakers and they will make your life miserable in the process if they know that you are against what they are doing. Sadly there are born troublemakers in this life that thrive in conflict and that is all they want to do cause conflict.
A photograph of a injured bird, or CCTV evidence will cover any discussion with any contact police/wildlife officer.
Maybe further contact with the local wildlife officers in your area might put your mind at ease. Start with a chat with the RSPB or SSPCA people to get the ball rolling will put you in the picture.
Hope there is some form of resolution to your worries here. Please let us know what can be done to help you, and your birds.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
This is a tricky one .
Having and useing an Air rifle in your own garden is not an offence If they are useing it for say plinking at cans and have a proper backstop to the targets. BUT! if the pellet comes over into anothers property then you can report them to the police . Who will be all over them like a wasp on a jam jar.
you will need proof of this ... Photos spent pellets or This is the tough one a dead bird or 2.
the police take a dim view of Air rifles at the best of times and it does no good for responsible Air rifle users. Of which I am one.
Dont worry I dont go blasting verey thing that has a pulse . I use the Air rifle for vermin control on an estate.
But people like that realy gets on my last nerve. they have all the sence of a punch drunk gnat and should be held to account for there actions.
If it was me that had seen them I would be taking there photos or if possible Video. and collecting the dead birds.
This has to be nipped in the bud as soon as possible.
ok I'll get off my soapbox now.
Cheers
AL
If its no fun Yer no doin it right!
I'm appalled to hear your news.
I echo what has already been said here but thought that these links might be of help:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/policy/wildbirdslaw/wildbirdcrime/shooting_and_destruction.asp
http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-4341
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081116141828AA3zwO3
Best of luck!
Graham
My Blog!
My Flickr!
Hi Al,
no please, stay on your soapbox. You have knowledge in this area which i have found helpful :o)
PLease excuse my ignorance too, I wouldn't know an air rifle from any other 'gun'. That and I was going with what the decorator told me, I'll have to see things for myself.
Although I really do hope their actions were a one off!
Kathy - I've already been considering the consequences of all this too. There's another problem with them too that would need police intervention, but there's always that danger of being found out as the one that reported when living next door. I wouldn't want anything happening to us, our property, or my Bobby. Its quite a dilemma in that respect.
Graham - you posted while I was typing up my reply, I wasn't ignoring you. Thank you for the links :o)
I'm not surprised you are angry and also upset. Are we talking adults here, or teenagers, or children? You have to be so careful these days, and no wonder you worry for Bobby. I don't know what the world is coming to, I really don't.
Edit: I'd rather hear about a few dead birds than a dead Bobby, so be careful.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Hi Sparrow,
I'm not sure how old they are, think they're about 20. Old enough to know better, but basically wasters. Not what we're used to in this quiet cul-de-sac!
You've taken the words right out of my mouth there; there's no way I'd let anything happen to Bobby. Which is why I'm at a loss what to do in that respect. I cannot stand anyone doing anything like these sorry excuses for human beings have been up to today, but on the other hand, I don't want them say, taking pot shots at Bobby over the fence!
Well thought out there Paul.
In this world you have to look out for you and yours at times - and family members including Bobby.
Just take notes, times of events, and gather evidence (photos) of these sad people and see what you can prove to the Police, or wildlife people what they are contending with
Then it should go in your favour as the gun will be taken from them and that is the way it should be - no guns - no problems.