A GROUP of males were seen firing a slingshot at wild birds and injuring them in the Bradford district.

Police say the crime occurred along Leeds/Liverpool canal in Shipley last week.

It came on the same day a 20-week old Pug/Chihuahua was stolen in Keighley.

On May 9, West Yorkshire Police's Wildlife & Rural Crime posted this on Facebook.

The post said: "In the last 24 hours, there have been 22 incidents involving animals and one reported dog theft.

"The theft of a 20-week old Pug/Chihuahua from the Keighley area (Crime ref: 13220247442).

"Leeds/Liverpool canal in Shipley. Males seen to fire a slingshot at wild birds and injure them (Crime ref: 13220248684).

"11x dog related (Bites/loose/dangerous) incidents. Three loose farm animals, two loose horses and five other incidents.

"As always there may be things that have been reported directly to local wildlife officers that may not be included."