Animal Cruelty: Suspect Runs Over Seagulls In Parking Lot

LAUREL, MD -- Laurel Police are seeking information from the public about an act of animal cruelty Saturday involving an individual who they say intentionally ran over a group of seagulls with a car, according to a police release.

Officers responded on Jan. 4, at about 10:47 a.m., to the Dollar Tree at 9620 Fort Meade Road, in the Laurel Plaza Shopping Center to the report of animal cruelty in the parking lot.

Arriving on the scene, officers noted a group of dead seagulls in close proximity to each other. Investigating the incident, they learned that an individual bought a bag of pre-popped popcorn at the Dollar Tree. The individual then emptied the bag as a way to lure a flock of seagulls to a spot in the parking lot. The individual then used a vehicle to run over the birds, killing at least 10, before fleeing the scene. Officers estimate the incident took place between 9-10:30 a.m.

"It takes a cruel, dangerous person to coax gulls over with the intention of violently killing them," said PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien, in a press release. "PETA is asking the public to help find whoever did this before this person harms or kills anyone else."

PETA is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) involved.

Laurel Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Cpl. Wilson at lwilson@laurel.md.us or send tips to LPDtips@laurel.md.us.