SEATTLE, July 21 (UPI) -- State wildlife agents say they are investigating allegations two members of the Washington State Patrol beat young gulls to death at the Seattle Ferry Terminal.
Bruce Bjork, head of the state Fish and Wildlife Department's enforcement division, said the investigation began Friday after witnesses reported they saw the two officers clubbing three gulls with their batons, Seattlepi.com reported Monday.
Capt. Jeff DeVere, a spokesman for the State Patrol, said the two officers each have more than 10 years' experience assigned to the homeland security division. He said they are on administrative leave until the investigation is completed.
Under Washington state law, killing non-game species like gulls is illegal, and the officers could face criminal charges.
DeVere said the State Patrol will conduct its own investigation once Fish and Wildlife completes its work.
