TWO men chased a seagull into traffic before kicking it to death and dumping it in a bin in Poole.

RSPCA officials are calling for information about the "unacceptable" incident, which happened in Lagland Street on Monday, January 7.

The men were seen throwing bread into the road to encourage the herring gull to fly into traffic.

The bird was then hit by a vehicle, which broke its wing. Both men chased the gull and began kicking it to death.

It was later found dead and dumped in a bin.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Story, who is investigating the incident for the animal welfare charity, said: “This is an unacceptable way to treat any animal.

“We’d like to speak to anyone who who saw what happened to the gull, or from anyone who has dash cam or CCTV footage from the time this happened."

The men responsible are white and thought to be in their 20s.

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They were seen at around 12.30pm near the junction of Lagland Road and Globe Lane. Both were wearing jeans. One wore a black jacket, black cap and black trainers with white soles, while the other wore a bright blue jacket with a hood and black boots.

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal - except under licence - to intentionally take, injure or kill wild birds or interfere with their nest or eggs. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

To speak to the RSPCA with information, call 0300 123 8018.