New London ― Jack Perch is an 8-year-old New London kid who follows the Golden Rule, the principle of treating others the way you want to be treated.

When he heard about a violent attack on an egret on July 3 by two teens at Ocean Beach Park, near the Alewife Cove area where he lives, Perch was upset and spoke to his mother about what to do.

“Those animals are like friends. The golden rule is for nature, too,” he said.

Annah Perch, Jack’s mother, helped organize Monday’s gathering at Ocean Beach Park, bringing together not only animal lovers but people looking to show “more of the community cares than not.”

New London police arrested two 18-year-old men from Glastonbury on July 3 who witnesses said threw rocks at a snowy egret and then attacked the bird, tackling it and holding it by the neck, police said. The snowy egret is listed as a state threatened species by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Benjamin M. Pavano and Parker Wallace both face the charge of animal cruelty, or the malicious and intentional maiming, torturing or killing of an animal. It is a class D felony punishable by up to one year in prison.

The wounded egret is presumed dead though police said the bird was not recovered despite a search in the waters by residents.

While she understands that the killing of a bird pales in comparison to other violent acts committed against people in the community, Annah Perch said she thought this vigil could be a good teaching moment and an opportunity for her son to speak up for something he cares about.

“The message is, Do not come to Ocean Beach to cause trouble. There is a whole community that cares about these animals,” Annah Perch said. “Maybe it helps with the healing and building a sense of safety and community. I don’t expect it to be huge.”

Guests at Monday’s event included local singer and songwriter Steve Elci, who is friends with the Perch family and said he was delighted to hear about such a big endeavor by such a young kid.

Elci, a member of the Alewife Cove Conservancy, has revamped one of his popular children’s songs, “Four Little Birds,” changing it to “Four Little Egrets” for the occasion. Elci said his music is message-driven, and he thought the idea of performing at a vigil organized by a child to stand against animal abuse fit right in with who he is. He was joined by local artists and friends Ben and Nancy Parent.

Annah Perch, who works for the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, said the nonprofit organization executive director, Cathy Zall, agreed to lead the group in prayer.

Ocean Beach Manager Dave Sugrue said the park was happy to host the event.

“All of us who work here care deeply about the environment. We’re immersed in it every day. We need to respect, protect and co-exist,” Sugrue said.

New London police have not yet released any written details of the incident that led the July 3 arrest. The Day has requested more information about the arrest from police.

g.smith@theday.com