THE RSPCA is appealing to people to show kindness and consideration to wildlife after a gull was left with lethal injuries following being attacked by teenagers in Bournemouth.

Two boys, believed to be in their early teens, were seen throwing large rocks at the juvenile herring gull on Tuesday July 21, in the Lower Gardens in Westover Road.

The gull was left unable to fly or stand with a broken wing and injured leg after the attack.

The wounded gull was taken to a vet but unfortunately the injuries were so severe and could not be treated, and the gull had to be put to sleep.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Story, who is investigating for the animal welfare charity, said: "We’re really grateful to the kind members of the public who contacted us as they sought help for this poor gull. We’re also appealing to the public to be vigilant for those behaving in a heartless way towards wildlife.

"This is such abhorrent behaviour, there is absolutely no reason to do this to an animal and we’d ask anyone who sees this happening, or who has information on who did this to this poor gull, to contact us or the police.

"Many gulls have stones thrown at them, others have their nests destroyed and large numbers are the target of people using them as pot shots with airguns and other weapons.

"We would like to remind people that gulls and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to do anything that causes suffering to gulls, or that damages or destroys active nests."

The two boys, who are described as being white, with one wearing a black hoodie, were seen throwing rocks between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.

Anyone with information can contact Inspector Story on 0300 123 8018.

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.