A MAN who was reportedly shot at by youths in Carlisle said he was trying to stop them firing at otters in the river.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was shot in the neck by a youth, aged 'between 17 and 19', wielding a gas-powered gun stocked with metal ball bearings.
The projectile struck his collarbone, and his dog was shot in the back of the head, but thankfully they’re both relatively unharmed, save for a light bruise, he said.
Explaining the incident and what led up to it, he said: “I was walking my dog by the Sheepmount, and to the right of the Sheepmount I saw a group of youths shooting otters.
“I shouted 'Oi!' at them – two of them ran away, and two others shot at me and my dog.”
He said this isn’t the first time he’s been threatened, or attacked, with an offensive weapon.
But, he added, he is passionate about animal welfare, particularly protected animals such as otters which are legally protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
This means it’s illegal to kill or injure otters or harm their habitat.
A conviction for an otter offence can result in a fine and up to six months in prison.
The victim then continued his walk and went to the city centre to find a police officer.
His search led him to the railway station where he gave a statement to a British Transport Police officer.
“I don't like animals being abused, not vulnerable animals at all,” he said.
He added that it’s not the first time he’s seen youths shooting at wild animals, and witnessed ‘kids’ shooting deer last year.
“I go hunting myself, I do it by law, but I’ve seen kids while I’ve been in Carlisle do some stupid things. I even saw a guy shooting at a cat at Hammond’s Pond.
“These people shouldn’t be allowed to have a gun of any kind without proper training.”
Cumbria Police said they were contacted at 11.55am on Tuesday (October 8) about youths firing an air pistol in the Sheepmount area.
Officers attended and carried out an area search but did not locate the youths.
Cumberland Councillor Helen Davison, Carlisle’s sole Green Party councillor, said she felt disgusted that people would be shooting at otters and called it ‘utterly shocking’.
“I don’t understand why someone would do it... they’re amazing beautiful creatures.
“To spot an otter in the river is a wonderful thing, and they're part of our ecology.
“I cannot understand the mentality of someone who would choose to shoot an otter, you don't know if you're shooting at the mother or pups, I just think it's awful.
“They're such precious creatures, and they're a sign of when the river is getting some health back.
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“We should be protecting and looking after otters, and protecting their magnificence.
“I hope that these youths can be found and that the police can take the appropriate action to deal with them.”
Police are investigating the incident and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
You can report online at cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 88 of October 8, 2024. You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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