Matthew Cumming, 36, used a bow and arrow to shoot a squirrel in his garden on Christmas Day, a court heard on Thursday, August 20. The small creature was "pinned against a wall" but survived.
Incident on Christmas Day
Airdrie Sheriff Court heard the incident occurred at his home in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, on December 25 last year. Cumming was charged after a neighbour reported him to the SSPCA.
Karon Rollo, prosecuting, said: "The accused was in the kitchen with a child. He looked out to the rear garden and saw a grey squirrel on top of a refuge bin. He sought out a large bow and arrows he had in his property, took aim at the squirrel and shot it."
Squirrel survives attack
The squirrel was struck on the head. It managed to run away but ended up pinned against a wall. A neighbour who observed this contacted the SSPCA.
Rollo said: "Officers attended and it would appear that as they tried to dislodge the projectile it fell and the squirrel ran away. When charged by police officers in January the accused replied 'I'm innocent'."
Court proceedings and fine
Cumming, a senior adult mental health support worker, appeared in court with no previous convictions. Defence lawyer Lindsay Gaughan said her client had not realised he was breaking the law.
She told the court: "A number of squirrels frequent gardens in the area. He genuinely thought it was acceptable to do what he did. The squirrel suffered an injury to its cheek but is still alive and to this day it continues to visit Mr Cumming's garden."
Sheriff James Spy fined Cumming £175 then asked: "Is there a victim surcharge for squirrels?" He was told there is and added £10 to the fine, allowing it to be paid at £50 per month. The sheriff ordered forfeiture of Cumming's bow and arrows.
