A WOMAN watched in horror as a group of youths killed two ducks with a blade before tying them to a fence and plucking their feathers.

The sick act has been condemned by the RSPCA which is appealing for information from the public to track down those responsible.

The woman was out walking when she saw the white ducks being attacked by the group of five males and three females in a field off Dodhams Lane near Colfox School in Bridport.

The witness told the charity the birds had bloody marks around their necks, suggesting they may have been cut with a knife or a wire noose.

The youths, thought to be aged about 18, were then seen to attach the bodies of the wild ducks to a fence and pluck their feathers.

RSPCA inspector Marie Griffiths said: "Sadly the member of the public who reported this incident waited some time before doing so, by which time the bodies of the ducks were no longer there.

"However that does not mean that we cannot investigate this horrendous incident and I would urge anyone with information about what happened to these poor creatures to contact the RSPCA."

If there is enough evidence, charges of deliberate cruelty can be brought against people under the Animal Welfare Act.

RSPCA spokesman Jo Barr said there was a disturbing trend of 'happy slapping' attacks on animals and birds by young people who film the cruelty on their mobile phones.

She said: "We don't think this is the case here but nevertheless it's horrendous.

"Wild ducks get very used to people, especially in areas where people walk regularly and feed them.

"Sadly, it makes them far easier to catch."

She appealed for people to come forward if they know anything about the killings, or those responsible.

"Also, one of the young people present that day may have been an unwilling participant and we'd like to hear from them," she added.

It happened early on Sunday (OCT7) evening.

Contact the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 0300 1234999. Calls are treated in strictest confidence.