POLICE have warned residents not to harm seagulls following an incident in which one of the birds died after being shot.

A seagull was shot in Trinity Terrace, Weymouth with a pellet gun at around 1pm on Monday, August 1.

The bird was taken to the vets, but had to be put down shortly after.

Numerous incidents involving seagulls have been reported in recent weeks, with one bird kicked when it swooped towards a child outside Marks and Spencer in Weymouth town centre.

Ornithologist Martin Cade was left bloodied after two seagulls pecked at his head on Portland.

Mr Cade said that European herring gulls were “a blessed nuisance” to seaside towns.

PC Claire Dinsdale, wildlife crime officer for Dorset Police, said: “Gulls are large, confident birds that share the coastal landscape with humans and where natural habitats have been built on, they will use roofs for nest sites.

“Gulls will focus in on a food source so discarded food and overflowing bins will attract them. Clearly gulls should not be fed for this reason.

“It is possible they may swoop and take food from people, however they will fly off if someone waves their arms about or makes noise.”

Councils in Dorset have launched a campaign to minimise problems with seagulls during the summer months.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and West Dorset District Council are encouraging takeaway outlets to put warning stickers on their food, urging people not to feed gulls.

An RSPB spokesman said: “It’s sad to think that somebody has shot and wounded a gull.

“It is a crime to intentionally harm any wild bird in this way, and that includes gulls.”

European herring gulls are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

PC Dinsdale added: “Not only is it extremely dangerous for people to take matters into their own hands by targeting gulls with air rifles, it is also illegal.

“Anyone with such a weapon in a public place is committing an offence, whether loaded or not.

“Sentencing is up to six months in prison or a fine up to £5,000. Anyone found breaking the law will be prosecuted.”

Anyone with information regarding the Trinity Terrace incident is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 55160115518.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830818

e: tom.beasley

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoTom