Beyers Park residents have raised concerns and frustration as a mysterious individual reportedly continues to shoot and kill wild birds in their neighbourhood – a practice they say persisted for more than a year now.

Boksburg SPCA confirmed receiving complaints and warned that the act is illegal. Whoever is behind it could face prosecution if caught.

One desperate resident, Edwin Hatch, said the repeated gunfire is heard almost daily between 15:00 and 18:00, and that has sparked outrage among community members who describe scenes of wounded and dying birds falling onto nearby properties.

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Among the targeted birds are hadedas, said to be protected indigenous birds in South Africa, along with other wild birds that have nested for decades in a large tree on Louis Botha Road.

Residents claim multiple birds have been injured or killed in a practice that appears to be ‘for fun,’ despite pleas on community social media groups for the perpetrator to stop.
Hatch said the sound of the birds being shot is ‘heartbreaking,’ describing the alleged shooter as a ‘faceless coward’ whose actions raise serious concerns about animal cruelty, public safety, and the enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Community members have escalated the matter to local authorities and ward representatives, yet the identity of the shooter remains unknown, with the sound of gunfire seemingly coming from different directions.

As frustration mounts, residents are calling for urgent intervention before more wildlife is harmed.

Boksburg Advertiser reached out to the SPCA and the ward councillor for their comments on these acts of animal cruelty.
Both confirmed being made aware of the recent allegations concerning shootings targeted at wild birds, and they both denounced the act as illegal and animal cruelty.

“Unfortunately, it is still unknown who the culprits are, but it is important for the public to know that this is illegal and they can face prosecution if caught,” said Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore.
“Using pellet guns and air rifles to shoot birds and small animals is cruel and dangerous. These weapons can cause serious injury and suffering to animals, especially if they are not killed instantly.”

She pointed out that, like any other living creature, birds and small animals feel pain when attacked in this way.

“When they are shot, they may suffer from broken bones, internal injuries, or slow, painful deaths. Often, the animal does not die quickly and is left to suffer. This is considered animal cruelty.”

Ward councillor Madelaine Muller is deeply disturbed.
“This conduct is cruel, inhumane, and completely unacceptable. Pellet guns do not always kill on impact, which means birds often suffer severe injuries and a slow, painful death.

“It is also important to note that hadedas are a protected species in South Africa. They are known to mate for life, and when one bird is killed, the remaining mate is left alone. This makes the harm not only physical, but deeply distressing and destructive to wildlife.
“I strongly condemn these actions and urgently call on the individual responsible to stop immediately.

“I also urge all residents to respect wildlife and to report any acts of animal cruelty when they are aware of them. Our communities should be places of compassion and responsibility, not violence toward defenceless animals.”
Residents with information are urged to report incidents to local authorities or Boksburg SPCA on 067 409 4267 or 083 763 6311.

Bird shootings: What residents should know
• Indigenous birds and animals are protected by law in South Africa, which means shooting them without a permit is illegal.
• Offenders can face fines or criminal charges if caught.
• Pellet guns and air rifles can cause severe suffering.
• Wild birds play a vital role in nature. They help control insect populations, spread seeds, and maintain ecosystem balance.
• Using pellet guns irresponsibly is also dangerous to people. Pellets can ricochet and cause injury to others, including children and pets.

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