Warning: Contains graphic images

Dead ducks found near Long Beach are thought to have been illegally dumped by bird shooters.

The dead ducks were found near Long Beach. Photos supplied

Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE) campaigns manager Jessica Chambers said the dumped ducks showed how little regard hunters can have for these animals.

A member of the public yesterday found 15-20 dead ducks, which had been dumped in a rest area where many families stop to feed birds.

"Every year public spaces are used as an illegal dumping ground for dead birds shot by hunters," Ms Chambers said.

The man who reported the issue contacted SAFE and the SPCA to report the dumping.

SAFE was calling on Minister for the Environment David Parker to ensure a process for reporting illegal bird dumping was easily accessible to members of the public.

It was unlikely the people responsible for this will be caught or face any kind of punishment.

"The reality is that this kind of behaviour will only stop when bird shooting is banned. Australia has already banned duck shooting in three states. New Zealand is long overdue for a ban on bird shooting."