TWO seagulls shot with pellets have had to be put down.
RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information after two gulls were found to have been shot in Barry.
Pellets were found in both gulls who both were suffering with broken wings.
Due to the seriousness of their injuries they were put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
One incident took place in the west of the town on May 18 and another incident at Charlotte Place on May 21.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Gemma Black said the time frame of the incidents was concerning.
“It is very concerning that two suspicious incidents have happened concerning gulls within days of each other,” said Inspector Black.
“We are very grateful to those who are already helping with our enquiries, but we’re keen to find out if these two incidents are related and - as suspected - were deliberate.
“We very much hope we don’t see any further incidents, but would urge the community to be our eyes and ears on the ground and make any reports to us if they witness animal cruelty.”
In April, we reported how Barry was being “shot up” when a local window cleaner found dozens of pellet holes in windows of shops along Holton Road.
Gulls, their eggs and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 so it is illegal to intentionally kill, take or injure gulls and other wild birds except under licence.
Herring gulls in particular are a species of conservation concern in the UK and evidence indicates that overall herring gull populations are actually in decline.
The RSPCA is calling for tighter controls with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun and that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop.
Ms Black added: “Animals can suffer horrendous injuries and often die as a result of airgun attacks and these weapons are potentially extremely dangerous for people as well.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
The RSPCA gives the following advice on living in harmony with gulls at www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/livingwith
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
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