The RSPCA is appealing for information and urging tolerance to wildlife after a young gull was crushed to death by a bicycle. We were called by a member of the public who saw a young male deliberately ride over the bird on Crown Street, Great Yarmouth at around 6pm on Tuesday 29 July. The youth was riding a green bike with two bags of shopping on his handlebars. We took the bird straight to the vet who said the kindest thing to do was put the gull to sleep to end his suffering. RSPCA Inspector Laura Sayer said: “Two witnesses said they heard the cracking of bones as the youth cycled over him. It was a horrific act of cruelty. “When I got there the bird was still alive - just - but collapsed and unable to move. The vet said the bird had been paralysed after his spine had been dislocated by the bike. “It was so very sad to see the young gull in such distress, especially when its suffering could have been avoided. “Sadly this kind of incident is not as unusual as you would hope and every year we deal with many cases of such callous attacks on these birds. “With the school holidays in full swing it is likely this problem will only get worse. More young people will be out and about in the sunshine and likely to come into contact and conflict with gulls.” Gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 making it illegal to intentionally kill or injure these wild birds. If you have any information about the incident involving the gull please call 0300 123 8018.
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 09:30:36 +0000