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Budget sets aside £250k to tackle seagulls
seagull
Funding will be used for research on the birds' aggressive behaviour in towns and cities.

Urban seagulls accused of terrorising towns and cities

A quarter of a million pounds has been set aside by the government to tackle urban seagulls - accused of being a menace to society due to their aggressive, food-stealing ways.

George Osbourne set aside the funding in the 2015 pre-election budget, which was published last week.

It will be used for research on the birds' aggressive behaviour in British towns and cities, informing authorities on the best way to control urban populations.

It is thought there are more than 250,000 breeding pairs of the most common seagull species, according to a report by Defra's chief scientist.

Prime Minister David Cameron told Western Morning News: "In my distant past I remember some seagulls taking the ham out of a sandwich. But I haven't held that against the entire seagull population since."

The news has been welcomed by campaigners including Don Foster MP, who hosted a "seagull summit" in 2012.

"For several years people in Bath have been contacting me about this issue and asking for action. Urban gulls cause mess, noise and damage to property, and are very aggressive in the nesting season. 

"There is not enough data to enable a strategic approach to the problem, and I have long been pressing for funding to be given so that progress can be made."

Image © Jon Sullivan/public-domain-image

 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.