Police issue warning over illegal shooting of gulls

Police have issued a warning following reports of gulls being shot illegally in North Wales.

Rural crime officers say there has been a spike in incidents in coastal areas of Denbighshire and Abergele.

There have also been reported cases of gulls’ nests being deliberately destroyed.

PC Bennett from the rural crime team said: “The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides legislation that protects all wild birds, including gulls and their nests, eggs and chicks.

“It is illegal to deliberately kill, injure or take gulls except under licence. The use of an air rifle in these circumstances may also constitute a firearms offence”.

Mark Thomas, RSPB head of investigations said: “Like all wild birds in the UK, gulls and their nests and eggs are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

“It’s a criminal offence to intentionally kill, take or injure them or destroy their nests and/or eggs and committing these types of offences could result in a significant fine or time in prison.

“Anyone with information about the illegal shooting or harming of gulls should contact the police immediately on 101.”

RSPCA scientific and policy officer, Rebecca Machin, said: “We should all want to live in communities where our wildlife is treated with kindness.

“Herring gulls in particular are a species of conservation concern in the UK and their populations are in decline.

“Sadly, many people have an unfavourable opinion of them and we know they can even be targeted – but these are intelligent animals who form strong social bonds with each other, and deserve to be treated with respect.”