Seagull dies after being dragged around on lead by man in Blackpool

A seagull has died after being dragged around the streets on a lead by a man.

The bird had to be put down following the incident on Devonshire Road in Blackpool on Monday, April 10th.

A man, in his 50s, was stopped by police that evening and arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, while the bird was taken off him by a member of the public.

Lancashire Police said no arrests had been made in relation to allegations of animal cruelty but the matter was still being investigated.

Pictures and video of the man ‘walking’ the gull circulated on social media, attracting widespread criticism, with many expressing concern for the seabird’s welfare.

Gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal to intentionally injure or kill them. Causing unnecessary suffering to the birds can also be considered a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

A police spokesman said, as per the Blackpool Gazette: “We were called at about 8pm on Monday (April 10th) to a report of a man pulling a live seagull along the pavement with a rope around its neck on Bispham Road.

“Officers attended and the man, in his 50s, was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and though subsequently de-arrested, the matter is still being investigated.

“The bird was taken by a member of the public to a local vet where they decided it sadly had to be put down.”

Animal charities have described the incident as ‘distressing’, ‘vile’ and ‘totally unacceptable’.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “This is a distressing sight and we are very concerned for this gull’s welfare. It is totally inappropriate and unacceptable to treat any wild animal in this way.

“Putting a gull on a leash would be extremely stressful for the bird as it would prevent it from being able to engage in its natural behaviour and could lead to injury or even death.

“Like all wild birds, gulls, their chicks and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

“This means it’s illegal to intentionally kill, take or injure gulls, take or destroy their eggs, or damage or destroy any gull nests while they’re in use or being built – unless you’re acting under licence.

“Captive gulls, like this bird, are also protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which means their keeper is required to meet their welfare needs and avoid causing them unnecessary suffering.’”

Brambles Wildlife Rescue, which covers Blackpool, described the incident as ‘vile’. The charity added: “A passer-by secured the gull off him, it was taken to a vet and was sadly put to sleep.

“We would add that it did look severely unwell and we cannot know if it could have recovered.”