Tim McKenzie, casualty care manager for East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS), came across a pile of 10 dead birds dumped at the side of the road on Caneheath.

The pile included two dead herring gulls, fancy doves, pigeons and a crow. One of the gulls was found to have 12 pieces of lead shot embedded in its body.

Mr McKenzie, based at WRAS's Casualty Care Unit in Horsebridge, said the incident showed 'real callousness'.

He told the Gazette, "They were just left at the side of the road for people to find.

"The two baby gulls were no harm to anyone and were just blasted with a shotgun.

"The fancy doves were probably owned by someone. They're the sort you keep in dovecotes — but those ones wouldn't have returned home that night.

"What was particularly upsetting is that they were just dumped at the edge of the road for all to see.

"They shouldn't be shooting any birds but particularly not herring gulls — they are a protected species because their numbers are declining rapidly."

Mr McKenzie said he didn't know who had killed the birds but said he heard 'shooting in the distance'.

He said, "Someone has just gone out there with a shotgun and just blasted away for the sheer enjoyment of it. It's pure blood lust.
"I spend my entire day trying to save wildlife — others spend theirs trying to kill as many as they can.

"I don't understand the mentality of it."

Mr McKenzie said he wanted to hear from anyone with information on the shootings and added WRAS would encourage the police to prosecute those who shoot birds.

Anyone with information on bird shootings should contact WRAS's 24-hour casualty hotline on 07815 078234.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.