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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.