Group Wants to Find Those Responsible for Mass Killing of Shorebirds in Cruel Vehicle Attack
For Immediate Release:
December 31, 2012
Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382
Long Beach, Wash. -- Last Thursday, 92 dunlins were reportedly found dead with traumatic injuries—including torn wings—after a vehicle apparently plowed through the flock of shorebirds at a speed well above the beach's 25-mph speed limit. PETA is now offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for these animals' deaths. This reward comes in addition to the $500 reward offered by the Wildlife Center of the North Coast.
Dunlins—who are impressive fliers, able to reach speeds of 110 mph, and conscientious parents, mating in monogamous pairs and sharing incubation and caretaking duties—are protected under Washington state law.
"This senseless attack on these gentle birds isn't just vicious and cruel—it's also against state and federal wildlife protection and anti-cruelty laws," says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "Long Beach residents have good cause to be concerned: According to law-enforcement agencies and leading mental-health professionals, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to all animals—including humans."
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact PETA at 757-622-7382 or Sgt. Dan Chadwick of the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife at 360-581-3337 immediately.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.