Five seagulls were killed and three were critically injured when a man placed a package of chips on the ground of the Little Bridge Street carpark before getting into his vehicle and driving straight at the birds on Thursday. 

Crime Scene Unit Leading Senior Constable Dayna Mollison said distraught witnesses had seen the man turn off the headlights of his dark coloured sedan before driving at the birds and killing a number of them.

She labelled the intentional behaviour “aggravated cruelty”.

“It’s an appalling act,” Leading Senior Constable Mollision said.

Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service Ballarat branch leader Cherie Reid was called to respond to the mass killing. 

She said a number of onlookers had witnessed the incident and were left shocked and distraught my the deliberate act.

“It’s definitely animal cruelty. It’s pre-meditated and it’s not on,” Ms Reid said.

“Onlookers watched on in shock as they saw birds with broken necks.” 

Ms Reid said onlookers were cradling dead birds in their arms until rescue workers arrived. 

On arrival, Ms Reid rushed the injured birds to an emergency vet and they are now undergoing care.

Authorities said they have not seen a case of animal cruelty like this incident in a long time. 

A Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning spokesman confirmed it the department was aware of reports of the incident.

He said it was being investigated and said police were the lead investigation agency. 

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident in the supermarket car park at Little Bridge Street at 10pm on Thursday to contact Ballarat police.

Information should be directed to Sergeant Chris Taylor or Constable Nick Hargreaves on 5336 6000 or CrimeStoppers 1800 333 000.