Police probe 'deliberate' slaughter of frogs

6 hours ago

David McKennaEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — Police say they believe about 50 frogs and toads were deliberately slaughtered

Lincolnshire Police A wildlife pond with reeds around the edges and surrounded by grassland. There is a fence and a row of red-brick detached houses in the background. — Police say they believe about 50 frogs and toads were deliberately slaughtered

Police are investigating a "disturbing" incident in which about 50 frogs and toads were deliberately cut into pieces.

Officers from Lincolnshire Police's wildlife team said the amphibians, which were in a pond near Balmoral Drive, Grantham, were targeted some time between 6 and 7 March by someone using a garden strimmer or similar tool.

A significant amount of frogspawn was also removed from the pond, the force said.

The incident is being investigated as an offence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

A spokesperson said: "We are keen to speak [to] anyone who was in the area during this time, or who may have seen or heard someone using gardening equipment near a pond, or noticed any suspicious behaviour."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force's wildlife team or get in touch anonymously via Crimestoppers.

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