Gulls injured by local rubbish

Thursday 12 September 2019

A number of local marine birds have had to be treated at the GSPCA this year, after apparently eating some of the rubbish which we've thrown away.

Eight seagulls were taken to the animal shelter last weekend alone, one of them had swallowed a large wooden skewer (pictured above).

They were all feeling very lethargic and were unable to fly.

"At the GSPCA we often help over 100 sick and injured gulls a year, but to help so many in a short period is always a worry," said GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne.

"The gulls we have been helping have all been Herring gulls, which are predominantly a scavenger species and thousands can be seen feeding in and round the tip each day.

"The numbers for this month are already into double figures and nearly all are from the north of the island."

Pictured: Steve Byrne (left). 

People in Guernsey are being encouraged not to put rubbish bags out on the street during the day, to prevent gulls from ripping the bin bags open and eating whatever they think is food, which often includes wrappers and packaging, as food waste is now collected separately. 

Pictured: There's been an increase in injured gulls recently which could be linked with the lack of food waste in bin bags leaving them eating other materials instead. 

"Gulls and other birds should NOT eat chips or bread," said GSPCA Animal Care Assistant, Beckie Bailey. "It makes them sick!

"If you see any litter on the street, beach sea etc please pick it up."

Anyone that spots a sick or injured gull is asked to contact the GSPCA on 257261 or take it up to the shelter.

"Hopefully the number of birds is just a coincidence but when we see double figures of sick animals, alarm bells do ring that there could be a source whether deliberate or accidental and if anyone has any concerns or information please do give us a call," said Mr Byrne.

More information on how to help protect local gulls is available on the GSPCA website.