[01 NOV 00] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Nuneaton Thugs Slaughter Small Animals

Thugs killed chickens, gerbils and guinea pigs when they set a cage of ferrets on them at a small-holding near Nuneaton.

The crime was discovered in a shed in School Lane, Galley Common last week.

Police were first called to the site following reports that windows in a number of vehicles on the site had been broken.

They discovered that around 50 windows had been broken. But going into a shed they found chilling evidence that small animals and birds had been destroyed.

Gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets and 25 chickens and chicks were found dead.

Police concluded that the cage of ferrets had been let loose on the other animals, before they were killed.

PC Ian Wilkinson said:

“This is an absolutely appalling indent of criminal damage and cruelty.

A nail gun with between 200 and 300 cartridges was also taken.

PC Wilkinson added that the gun should be found and returned before anyone was hurt by it.

He said:

“This is an extremely dangerous piece of equipment if put in the wrong hands.”

Anyone with information should call police on 01926 415000.