A man has been fined after using a bow and arrow to shoot a squirrel in his garden in front of a child on Christmas Day. Matthew Cumming, 36, admitted an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and was ordered to pay £185.
Incident at Coatbridge home
Airdrie Sheriff Court heard the incident happened at his home in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, on December 25 last year. 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 survived
The court heard the squirrel was struck on the head but managed to run away, becoming pinned against a wall. A neighbour who observed the incident contacted the SSPCA.
Officers attended and, as they tried to dislodge the projectile, it fell and the squirrel ran away. When charged by police officers in January, Cumming replied: "I'm innocent."
Court outcome
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 and added a £10 victim surcharge, allowing it to be paid at £50 per month. The sheriff ordered forfeiture of Cumming's bow and arrows.
