Persecution of gulls is rising, says RSPCA
The RSPCA is calling for greater tolerance of gulls this summer, after increasing numbers of these seaside birds are admitted to wildlife centres as victims of cruelty.
The charity recieves regular calls about persecuted gulls, that are often the victims of abusive attacks.
Many have stones thrown at them, have their nests destroyed or are targeted by people using them as pot shots with airguns.
Manager of RSPCA Stapeley Grange, Lee Stewart, said: "Sadly this kind of incident is not as unusual as you would hope, and every year we deal with many cases of such callous attacks on these birds.
"Also it is this time of year when the gull chicks are young that their parents can swoop on anyone who they see as a threat which leads to much misunderstanding."
It is illegal to intentionally kill, take or injure wild birds according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and action can only be taken against them under licence.
Herring gulls are a particular species of conservation concern in the UK, and research has shown that overall, the gull populations are actually in decline.
Lee added: "All it takes is a little care and understanding to minimise any inconvenience caused by gulls - they are normally just behaving in a natural way."
The RSPCA has suggested using deterrents and non-lethal control methods to help to reduce problems, such as restraining from feeding gulls, proper disposal of rubbish and blocking off nesting areas. It is also advised to leave any gull chick alone unless it is obviously injured.
If you find an injured gull, or have any information of a gull being treated cruelly, please call the RSPCA's cruelty line on 0300 123 4999.
Image courtesy of the RSPCA.
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