Punishment For Killing Seagulls And Other Birds?

I was just reading about a man who beat a seagull to death and it brought back memories from about 12 years ago when i was younger and walking through the city. A young seagull was on the road and this car sped up and killed the bird (he obviously did it on purpose) I have this horrible imagine in my head now :(. Anyway, at the time I was told by friends nothing could be done as they are seen as vermin. Maybe that was the case or not back then (I don't know) but am certain know you can get punished. What sort of punishment could you get for deliberately killing a seagull or a pigeon, crow, black bird etc. Thanks