Three young boys who massacred 50 doves have been ordered to work at an animal shelter or charity.
The boys, aged 10 to 11, have been given a Youth Condition Caution for using an air weapon to shoot the birds in a dovecote in Bookham.
Fifty doves were killed at the scene, nine doves later died from severe injuries and only five doves survived the attack in August.
A Youth Conditional Caution educates offenders about the impact of their crime on the victim and the whole community.
The boys must undertake work at an animal shelter or charity, receive education on the dangers of firearms and attend sessions on the consequences of crime.
Mole Valley Neighbourhood Sergeant John Pearson, said: "Air weapon owners have very strict legal requirements and social responsibilities which they must meet.
"This was a shocking scene for the owners to return to, and frightening children could be responsible, which emphasises the need for such weapons to be stored securely."
Simon Cowell, founder of the Wildlife Aid Foundation (WAF), which spent hundreds of pounds on treatment for the doves, said that parents should also be held responsible.
He said: "I think the kids or parents should be made to pay. A sensible amount of community service is important to make the kids sit up and think.
"The parents are at fault and nothing much is going to happen to them. They let the kids go out with the gun."
Do you think the parents should have to pay? Leave a comment below.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel