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'Sick' new seagull trend sees birds deliberately 'enticed onto roads to be hit by cars'
'Sick' new seagull trend sees birds deliberately 'enticed onto roads to be hit by cars'
A charity has claimed there is evidence of people throwing food onto roads to watch seagulls swoop down and be hit by vehicles. WARNING: Contains images some people may find distressing
Llandudno's Herring Gulls 'all need an ASBO'
(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live )
Bird enthusiasts in Wales have been left appalled by a cruel new "trend" that has emerged, as reported by a local charity. The Foundation for Feathered Friends (FFF) in Caernarfon claims there is increasing evidence of individuals deliberately luring seagulls into traffic by scattering food on the roads, only to watch the birds get struck by passing vehicles.
The FFF volunteers have noted a worrying rise in such incidents along the North Wales coastline, with reports suggesting not just youths, but adults too are engaging in this harmful activity.
Denise Theophilus, the founder of FFF, said: "We totally support the feeding of wild birds, especially gulls," and "Often they are emaciated when they arrive in coastal communities. But this is not the right way to do it." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
She continued: "Who in their right mind would deliberately put these birds in danger by making them swoop onto roads to be hit by oncoming cars?
"We are aware that children will get up to all kinds of mischief – but adults doing this must have some kind of psychiatric issue.
"It's definitely a trend, we're seeing more and more instances of it happening. And it's us that have to pick up the poor gulls wounded by monsters like these."
Denise highlighted that volunteers have observed such behaviour in various locations including Abergele, Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Llandudno, reports North Wales Live.
With the number of injured birds being cared for by North Wales Wild Bird Care, the sister organisation to FFF, she suspects that this disturbing practice is likely occurring in other areas as well.
Denise, a local resident, reported an alarming incident where food was deliberately placed on a street in Rhyl, leading to the death of three gulls hit by cars.
Two gulls lie dead next to food that was accidentally or deliberately dropped on the road
(Image: Cheryl Jones/Foundation for Feathered Friends )
The birds were found "equidistantly" near the food, with a fourth gull later succumbing to its injuries.
She also recalled another disturbing episode involving a group of youths in Llandudno. "One of our volunteers was driving through Llandudno when she saw a group of youths throwing food onto a road," she said.
"They were laughing as they watched cars come towards the gulls. She wanted to go back and disperse the kids but her husband didn't want to get involved."
Litter blown by the wind is another factor contributing to the perilous situation for gulls on busy roads. Social media videos have also highlighted the dangers posed by carelessly discarded food cartons.
However, there's online evidence of clips showing gulls being deliberately lured onto roads.
Three gulls lie dead next in Rhyl. Rehab volunteers claimed each were found next to food 'deliberately placed on the road'
(Image: Jane Taylor/Foundation for Feathered Friends )
Denise claims such practices have been observed outside schools and in retail car parks. When images were shared online, bird lovers were left "sickened" by the claims.
One person labelled the practice "shameful and inhuman", while another deemed it "utterly disgraceful".
A man claimed some motorists deliberately target gulls. He said: "I've seen a few birds, mainly gulls, laying in the road that have been run over on purpose."
Herring gulls are a protected species and are on the Red List for Conservation. The RSPCA has urged people to be mindful when disposing of edible litter.
Gulls will themselves scatter food waste on roads by ripping open bin bags
(Image: Georgina Ford )
A spokesperson stated: "Gulls can get a bad rap especially in seaside towns, and sadly are thought of by some as a pest.
"However, they are simply wild animals trying to survive in their surroundings, and deserve our kindness and respect.
"It's important for people to remember that they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is illegal to intentionally harm any wild bird, except under licence."
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The RSPCA offers guidance on how to live in harmony with gulls:.
