Should seagulls be culled?
A Birmingham man who has dubbed the city’s growing gull population a public menace is demanding the council cull them.
In addition, after a Chihuahua was reportedly snatched from its backyard by a seagull this week, a call has been rung out declaring all gulls must be killed for the protection of humans – and furry friends.
Gull numbers have declined in traditional seaside haunts, but the scavenging opportunities presented in Birmingham have seen mass gatherings akin to Alfred Hitchcock classic The Birds. Shoppers have complained about herring and lesser black-backed gulls dive-bombing shoppers, even snatching fast food out of their hands.
Christian Chalk has launched a petition demanding action from Birmingham City Council.
“There have been instances of people, including vulnerable elderly and young children, being attacked by gulls. There is a health issue, with the birds covering areas with faeces as well as breaking into rubbish bags and spreading waste all over the place.
“There is also a huge issue with noise which is driving people out of their homes and robbing individuals of the ability to sleep properly.
“These animals are a pestilence, well known to residents of inner Birmingham, and it is time that Birmingham Council acknowledged the issue and took action.”
A spokesman for Birmingham Council said: “In terms of our current position, Natural England – the statutory conservation agency which comes under Defra’s jurisdiction – has a very strict policy on what action local authorities can take in relation to gulls.
“As wild birds, gulls and their eggs and nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so Natural England licences any action affecting them – and will only do so for very strict reasons, including to prevent disease or agricultural damage, to conserve plants and animals or to protect public health and safety.”
What are your views? Do you have an issue with seagulls where you live? Are seagulls beautiful birds which should be protected or just “vicious flying rats” which should be exterminated?
