The RSPCA is appealing after a seagull was shot dead in Trethomas on Saturday, July 13.
The dead bird fell into a garden on Bryn y Fran Avenue at around 1.30pm.
RSPCA inspector Simon Evans said: “The gull had a serious wound with considerable blood loss to its head and appears to have been shot – maybe off the rooftop – and fell dead in a garden. A loud noise like a car back-firing was heard but the direction of the shot is unknown and no one was seen with a firearm.
“Sadly this gull which was deliberately attacked was found dead. It is just shocking that someone could harm an animal in this way. Anyone with any information related to this incident is urged to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
Seagulls and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal to intentionally kill, take or injure wild birds. Action can only be taken against seagulls under licence.
Herring gulls, which are a large breed of seagull, are a species of conservation concern in the UK, with evidence suggesting that herring gull populations are in decline.
The RSPCA issued the following advice relating to seagulls: “Gulls make most noise between May and July when they are breeding. If gulls on your roof disturb you, or you are worried they may block a gas flue, you can prevent them nesting there in the first place. Your local environmental health department or pest control company should be able to tell you about the devices available.
“In some seaside towns where people have fed gulls, they have learned to snatch food. Try to keep food to yourself but don’t blame them if they can’t tell the difference between scraps willingly offered and your bag of chips.
“Dispose of edible litter carefully – put it in gull-proof litter bins. Plastic bags left in the street are an open invitation for gulls to investigate. Gull-proof bins are easily acquired, are cheap and very effective.
“Gulls that swoop suddenly on people or pets are usually trying to protect chicks that have got out of/left the nest. If you see a gull chick leave it alone – its parents can look after it better than you.
“Remember, if you see a gull chick – usually mottled brown and grey in colour – leave it alone unless it is obviously sick, injured, in danger, or you know it’s parents are dead. Anyone with concerns for a gull’s welfare should contact the RSPCA Cruelty and Advice Line on 0300 123 4999.”