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Appeal launched after spate of gull attacks in Wales
A gull was photographed in East Parade, Rhyl, with a crossbow arrow sticking through its skin.

Birds "experiencing significant suffering"

An appeal for information has been launched following a spate of gull attacks in Wales.

The appeal was launched by RSPCA Cymru and North Wales Police after a gull was photographed in East Parade, Rhyl, with a crossbow arrow sticking through its skin.

In a press release, RSPCA Cymru said the bird is still thought to be alive, but likely to be “experiencing significant suffering” as a result of the incident. It added that there have been several other reported attacks on gulls in the area, some of which involved an air rifle.

"It's deeply worrying to think someone is deliberately setting out to persecute gulls in this way,” commented RSPCA inspector Jenny Anderson. “This latest incident was brought to the attention of the RSPCA and North Wales Police after a gull was sighted with an arrow through its body.

"We understand the gull is still alive in the wild - but will clearly be experiencing significant suffering."



Rob Taylor, from the North Wales Rural Crime Team, added: "We are aware of a number of incidents involving the illegal killing of gulls on the North Wales coast. These birds are protected by UK law and we remind people that the using of such weapons and the killing of these birds is taken extremely seriously.

“We are appealing to the public for any information that may assist us in apprehending those responsible for these callous acts."

Anyone with any information is urged to contact RSPCA Cymru’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. The Police can also be contacted on 101, and quote reference W106596.

Image (C) RSPCA Cymru

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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.