Outrage as cruel yobs hurl stones at calf

Apr 2 2008 By David Wynn, East Kilbride News

POLICE and animal welfare groups have slammed the ‘despicable’ actions of callous yobs who have been spotted hurling rocks at the Highland Cattle calf in Colonsay Field.

The News reported just a fortnight ago on the youngster’s birth and many visitors have since stopped by to take a look at the Field’s newest and cutest arrival.

However, it has now emerged that teenage louts are putting the calf’s life at risk by hurling stones and other objects at the defenceless animal and her family.

This week the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) branded the culprits as ‘idiots’ and called on parents to investigate if their child was involved.

Doreen Graham, from the charity, fumed: “Why anyone would want to be so cruel to beautiful creatures like this, particularly a baby calf, is beyond me.

“It is an appalling and despicable thing to do and I urge anyone who sees it happening to contact the police or the SSPCA as these idiots deserve to be punished.

“Aside from seriously injuring the animals physically, it will also have a mental effect on the cattle and put them in an extremely agitated state.

“I would say to parents who think their children may be involved to find out and make them realise this is cruel and wrong.”

Doreen also warned those responsible they face a possible jail sentence and a hefty fine if caught abusing animals.

Jura resident Clemens McAndrew has witnessed the attacks and he, too, is appalled.

“This has been going on for years and it’s such a shame for the animals,” he said.

“It’s not as though it’s young kids who don’t know any better... it’s teenagers who obviously have nothing better to do than terrorise a baby calf and her mother.

“It doesn’t say much for them and I just hope the police catch up with them.”

Sergeant Scott McCutcheon, of East Kilbride police, said: “This is a disgusting way to treat animals and anyone caught doing this will be punished.

“I would urge anyone who sees this happening to report it immediately.”

If anyone does witness the cattle being abused, or any other acts of animal cruelty, they can contact the police on 01355 564000 or the SSPCA on 03000 999 999.