Back in February we had a few reports of birds found dead, apparently shot. I just checked with Diane Horswill, our North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, to see what advice the Seattle Police Department (SPD) had on this type of incident. Here is her reply:
“It is illegal to shoot birds and to discharge a firearm in the City. My guess would be that the shooter is using a BB or pellet gun. Small dead animals are now allowed to be wrapped and placed in the regular garbage. If it happens a lot or there is a possible suspect it should be reported to SPD. During the summer mosquito season the Health Dept wants to know about dead crows as they are markers for avian flu, so if I saw one I would check to make sure it was shot.”
Don’t handle dead birds with your bare hands. And please report them to Seattle & King County Public Health here.