An animal charity is appealing for information after dozens of gull chicks were left to die in the street in an Aberdeen suburb.
The Scottish SPCA was called out after a member of the public found 26 fledglings in a box dumped on Craigton road near Cults.
Inspector Fiona McKenzie said the birds had been discovered with many of the flock already dead in the “callous” incident.
She said: “It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to damage, destroy or otherwise interfere with any nest habitually used by any wild bird.
“When I arrived to rescue the fledglings, six had already unfortunately passed away and a further two were put to sleep following veterinary advice.
“Removing these fledglings from their nest was particularly callous.”
She added that the act was believed to be deliberate and that information was now being sought to catch the culprits.
She said: “It would have been a rather difficult task so we know that it’s been deliberate. Whoever did this was putting a death sentence on these fledglings.”
The remain 18 fledglings are currently being cared for at the SPCA’s National Wildlife Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire.
Insp McKenzie has urged anyone with information to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.