Scaffolder fined after kicking seagull to death
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A SCAFFOLDER who killed a young seagull after kicking it “like a football” has been fined for the “disgraceful” act of animal cruelty.
Dalneigh man Robert McKintosh booted the helpless bird while working on a scaffold at Dingwall Town House on 25th July. The force of the kick was so strong it sent the bird hurtling several metres and had to be put down because of its injuries.
Depute fiscal Stewart Maciver told Dingwall Sheriff Court that the attack happened in front of several horrified witnesses at 9.30am.
“Scaffolding was in place and the accused was seen to come from behind safety fencing and go towards a young seagull and kick it as if it was a football,” he said.
“The two witnesses were appalled at what they saw and shouted at the accused that it was disgusting.”
Mr Maciver said McKintosh (29) replied sarcastically, “Yeah, it is”.
He added that McKintosh told the police it was an accident and he wanted to scare the gull away.
McKintosh admitted attacking the bird and failing to appear at court when the case called on 2nd December.
Solicitor Chris Munro said McKintosh was suspended by his employers for one week.
“With regard to the offence he was loading scaffolding on to lorries and the gulls were causing extreme difficulties,” he said.
“He intended to shoo the gull away. He did not intend to connect. Unfortunately he did and he is deeply remorseful.”
But Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood argued that there was not much sign of McKintosh’s remorse and also criticised him for failing to attend court when the case was originally meant to go to trial.
“That caused considerable inconvenience for witnesses who attended that day,” he said.
Mr Munro said his client’s absence was because had made an error in his diary.
Fining him £500 for kicking the gull, Sheriff Fleetwood said it was disgraceful behaviour. McKintosh, of Hawthorn Drive, was also fined him £200 for his non-appearance at court on 2nd December.
