‘Cruel’ killing of duck condemned by Carrickfergus wildlife enthusiasts

Carrickfergus Mill Ponds (image by Google).

Police issued an appeal on Friday for information into the incident at Mill Ponds close to the centre of the Co Antrim town.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report that a duck had been shot with a pellet gun in the Mill Ponds area of Carrickfergus. It is believed this took place on Monday night (11th May). Anyone with any information on this incident is encouraged to contact police on 101 quoting reference 381 12/05/20.”

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has tasked staff to check the site during the day and has requested additional police patrols too.

The moves have been welcomed by Ulster Unionist Councillor Andrew Wilson, who brought the matter to the local authority’s attention after being contacted by constituents.

Mr Wilson said whoever was behind the attack on the bird “has a sick and depraved idea of what’s right or wrong”.

Many people have taken to social media to condemn the incident too.

One person, asked: “Is there not CCTV around there and if not should be?. Dreadful.”

Echoing this, other residents posted: “Sick individual, hope they were picked up on CCTV.”

“That’s dreadful, how can this individual be so cruel?”

Another asked: “What is wrong with people?”

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