Baby pigeons were among 16 dead and dying birds found beaten and stuffed into bloodied boxes in an alleyway in west London.
The RSPCA was called following the shocking discovery of the birds dumped in a box in Southall Recreational Ground in Leamington Road, Southall, last Wednesday (February 11) afternoon.
The charity has appealed for information in connection with the discovery.
Of the 16 wild pigeons found in two cardboard boxes at the entrance of the grounds, only three survived but later had to be put down to end their suffering. The rest were dead and covered in blood.
It is thought they had been recently attacked and beaten as their bodies were warm when they were found.
RSPCA inspector Nicole Broster said: “This was an incredibly gruesome sight.
“It looks as if these birds had been beaten to death by being hit repeatedly on the head.
"There was a lot of blood and several dead baby pigeons and embryos as well as adults.
“The bodies of the dead pigeons were still warm, so it is thought that whatever had been done to these pigeons happened recently.
“Unfortunately only three pigeons survived and they were in such a bad state of health that they had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds so they would no longer suffer.
“This was an appalling way to treat these animals - there is no doubt in my mind that they would have suffered greatly before they died."
The RSPCA is urging anyone with information about the incident to call 0300 123 8018.
