An animal charity is appealing for information after images were circulated online appearing to show a man “euthanising” a wounded pigeon by stamping on its head.
The incident allegedly occurred in the Strothers Lane area of Inverness.
A post shared along with the images claims the man killed a pigeon by “repeatedly stamping on its head”.
It goes on to say the bird had an injured wing and the man was told to leave it as the Scottish SPCA “were already on their way, and could either fix him or put him to sleep humanely”.
The man in the image appears to be wearing a black beanie hat and a red and black chequered shirt.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: ‘This must have been a very upsetting incident for members of the public to witness, not to mention the distress caused to the pigeon.
“We would never recommend people take matters in to their own hands like this. We would have attended and assessed the bird and provided treatment or taken appropriate action.
“Euthanasia should always be carried out humanely by a professional.
“If anyone has any further information on this incident, please contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
A police spokesman said officers in Inverness had not been made aware of the incident.