Authorities in Wynberg and Plumstead are searching for a supposed serial squirrel killer.
According to the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS), the organisation has been responding to multiple incidents of squirrel shootings. It is understand the suspects have been using pellet guns and other paraphernalia to evoke harm on the rodents. The leafy suburbs of Wynberg and Plumstead are known for being home to a large number of tree squirrels.
On Monday, the organisation’s emergency after-hours inspectorate and nursing team were tasked to help save the life of a squirrel who was left mortally wounded and paralysed by a pellet that shattered his spine.
Furthermore, AWS spokesperson Allan Perrins is calling on members of the public to report matters relating to injured or dead squirrels. Perrins said several squirrels have been dying painful and slow deaths in recent months, because of the targeted attacks.
“There have been a number of senseless shootings of squirrels in the Wynberg and Plumstead areas. At this stage of the game, our investigation is underway; we do not have any suspects, which is why we’ve gone to the public and appeal to them for information to help us apprehend whoever is responsible for these unjustified and senseless killings,” explained Perrins.
Perrins said the premeditated, brazen attacks need to end.
“We are calling for a crackdown on air gun ownership because air guns, in our opinion, are definitely ending up in the wrong hands and in this particular instance we’ve treated a number of patients that have been admitted with pellet gun injuries,” said Perrins.
Anyone who may have information is requested to contact AWS’s Inspectorate Department by using the following channels.
021 692 2626 / 082 601 1761 or inspectorate@awscape.org.za
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