RICH KITCHING FROM SCARBOROUGH SHOCKINGLY ABUSES SEAGULL IN BRUTAL ATTACK

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike, Rich Kitching, a resident of Scarborough, was caught on CCTV launching a violent assault on a defenseless herring gull. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 13, 2022, at approximately 2:20 am on St Thomas Street in Scarborough, a popular area known for its seaside charm and bustling nightlife.

Footage released by the police vividly captures Kitching approaching a flock of herring gulls that had gathered in the area. Without any apparent provocation, he seized one of the birds, gripping it tightly and raising it above his head. The video shows him swinging the gull around with force, causing visible distress to the animal. In a further act of cruelty, Kitching appears to rub the bird in the faces of two other men present, before viciously hurling it against a nearby brick wall. The impact causes the gull to hit the ground with a sickening thud, and it remains motionless as Kitching makes no effort to assist or check on the bird.

The attack, which lasted approximately one minute, only came to an end when a concerned passer-by intervened, moving the injured bird away from Kitching to prevent further harm. Fortunately, at the time of the assault, a North Yorkshire Police officer and a CCTV operator from Scarborough Borough Council were monitoring the street through surveillance cameras. They witnessed the entire incident and promptly responded by attending the scene. The officer arrested Kitching on the spot, and several members of the public who had observed the attack came forward to provide statements, expressing their distress and outrage over what they had seen.

One witness recounted approaching the injured gull after the incident, carefully moving it away from further danger. The witness described the bird as exhibiting signs of severe exhaustion, with its wings slowly flapping and showing no response to human contact, indicating it was suffering from the trauma inflicted during the attack.

Later, during police interviews and discussions with an RSPCA inspector, Kitching admitted to being intoxicated at the time of the assault. He expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the cruelty he had displayed. He was subsequently charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, unlawfully taking a wild bird, and a public order offence for causing harassment, alarm, or distress to others.

PC Lee Holmes, a member of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce who led the investigation, condemned Kitching’s behavior. He stated, “Kitching’s actions that night were cruel and shocking. The footage of the incident is sickening, and it’s almost beyond belief that someone could behave in this way. It’s not surprising that other members of the public were appalled by what they saw, and I’m grateful to those who provided witness statements to ensure Kitching could be brought to justice.”

He further emphasized the importance of protecting wildlife, noting that although herring gulls are often considered pests, they are a declining species deserving of respect and humane treatment. “Although some may see herring gulls as nuisances, they are sadly a species in decline, and nothing can justify cruelty towards them. I hope this prosecution sends a strong message that mistreating these birds will not be tolerated, and we will take robust action against those who do,” he added.

Geoff Edmond, an RSPCA Inspector and National Wildlife Coordinator, expressed his outrage over the incident. “I am appalled that this horrific incident has taken place. This gull has been tossed about like an object with total disregard for this bird’s feelings. It will have suffered pain and distress as a result of this unnecessary attack,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and wildlife organizations to prevent such cruelty, thanking North Yorkshire Police for their thorough investigation.

In court, Kitching received a 32-week suspended prison sentence, along with 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also fined and ordered to pay costs totaling £172. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping any animals for a period of 12 months, a ban that expired in February 2024. The case has sparked widespread condemnation and serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect and respect wildlife in Scarborough and beyond.