A leading animal charity is offering a £1,000 reward to catch the person who killed a gull in Cheltenham.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) says those who commit violent acts towards animals can end up committing further violence later in life.

It says serial killers such as Fred West and Moors murderer Ian Brady began their descent into crime by harming animals.

Suzanne Barnard, Peta spokeswoman, said: "Animal abusers are cowards who take out their problems on the most vulnerable victims."

Last week the Daily Press told how the gull had been found with a screwdriver lodged in its back in the car park of McDonald's restaurant in Kingsditch Lane. The lesser black-backed gull, believed to be less than a year old, was found paralysed with the nine-inch tool imbedded in its spine.

The animal was taken to the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre near Tewkesbury for treatment but died after suffering extensive internal injuries.

James Horswell, casualty manager at the centre, said: "It was distressing for staff, as it always is when we see animals who have been injured deliberately.

"Sadly some people think of gulls as a pest so do not treat them with the same respect as other animals. We have seen other deliberate injuries before but this is one of the worst."

Peta is offering up to £1,000 as a reward for information leading to the apprehension of the people responsible.

Suzanne said: "Animal abusers are usually repeat offenders, which means other animals and even humans remain at risk until these criminals are apprehended.

"History shows serial rapists and murderers often have a history of cruelty to animals."

Of the Cheltenham incident, RSPCA welfare officer Ben Jones said: "It was without doubt intentional – there is no way this could have happened by accident."

Anyone with information about this case can call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.