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RSPCA billboard calls for kindness to seagulls

Andrew Turner
BBC News, Norfolk
Reporting fromGreat Yarmouth
Andrew Turner/BBC A billboard advertisement stating: "Gulls are lovers, not fighters. They form lifelong bonds. RSPCA; for every kind. Every kind of animal deserves our kindness."Andrew Turner/BBC
The RSPCA said its campaign was aimed at reducing harm to wildlife, including gulls

An animal welfare charity has erected a billboard asking people in a seaside town to be kind to gulls.

The RSPCA poster, on Acle New Road in Great Yarmouth - a main thoroughfare for tourists - said the birds were "lovers not fighters".

Holidaymaker Suzanne Reynolds, of Canning Town, east London, said she agreed with the campaign despite a seagull cutting her finger "in two places" while she was eating a hotdog.

"It bit me but it must be hungry and just wanted food," she said.

"We shouldn't be cruel to them because it didn't mean to bite me, it was an accident."

Andrew Turner/BBC A close-up image of a woman's hand, with two small cuts on one of the middle fingers.Andrew Turner/BBC
Suzanne Reynolds was nursing a sore finger after a seagull swooped at her as she ate a hotdog

The RSPCA said in a statement: "Sadly, gulls are one of the most victimised wild birds, and we receive a report about deliberate or extreme cruelty to them every three days.

"That's why as a charity advocating 'for every kind' - it's important for us to promote these unique and fascinating birds, how they deserve our compassion and respect.

"While we know not everybody likes gulls, others find them amazing animals - and we exist to protect and prevent cruelty to all animals, including those which are less popular or misunderstood.

"All animals have feelings and emotions, whether they are pets, wildlife, on farms or in labs, and they all deserve to have a fulfilled life of their own."

Andrew Turner/BBC Christina Docwra has auburn hair, tied back, and is smiling, holding a cone of chips, standing inside her stall. She is wearing a black jersey and a red tabard. There are various sauces and vinegars, and signage in the background.Andrew Turner/BBC
Christina Docwra said she had witnessed a man kick a gull which she said was unacceptable

Christina Docwra, who owns a chip stall at Great Yarmouth Market, said customers were regularly attacked by gulls.

But she said one man responded by repeatedly kicking at a seagull: "Now I don't agree with that. You don't hurt an animal no matter what the animal has done."

Tessa Fennell, 49, of Great Yarmouth, was witnessed by our journalist as two gulls fought each other, almost hitting her in the head.

"I don't like them, but I don't mean violence to them. I'd just rather they weren't here while I'm eating."

Andrew Turner/BBC Susie and Kenny Hearn, sitting in Great Yarmouth Market Place. She is wearing a peacock-tail patterned top, and has long brunette hair with her sunglasses on her head. Kenny is wearing a blue polo shirt, and has tinted sunglasses on his head. He is holding a cone of chips and gravy. Behind them is The Place, the new library and learning centre in Great Yarmouth Market Place.Andrew Turner/BBC
Kenny Hearn, pictured with wife Susie, said he had been attacked by a gull sitting on his head, flapping its wings trying to eat his chips

Kenny Hearn, 59, of Bradwell, said: "They're not really a problem unless people start feeding them; that's where the issue comes and I can understand why people get frustrated."

Eating fish cake, chips and gravy, Anthony and Ciara Stevens, of Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, were being watched by herring gulls in close proximity.

Asked if it worried him, 58-year-old Mr Stevens said: "Not at all. Just let them do it and then get on with it, and they go away. There's no excuse [for harming them]."

Ciara, 52, said: "It's absolutely disgusting [to attack gulls]. It's bad. This is their home, not ours."

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