The RSPCA is appealing for information after a seagull had to be put to sleep following an alleged attack by a teenager in Cwmbran, Wales. The incident occurred on Porthmawr Road at around 9pm on Tuesday, July 7, when a member of the public witnessed a teenager kicking the bird while it was perched on a wall.
Bird Suffered Two Broken Wings
The gull was taken to a local veterinary practice, where it was confirmed to have two broken wings. The vet determined that the kindest course of action was to euthanize the bird. RSPCA Inspector Kirsten Ormerod described the attack as "extremely distressing" and noted that such incidents are not uncommon.
Legal Protection for Wild Birds
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to deliberately kill, injure, or take one, except under licence. The RSPCA is urging anyone with further information or video footage to contact their appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01849124.
Witness Appeal
Inspector Ormerod said: “The woman who witnessed this dreadful cruelty said the gull was kicked hard by a teenager while it was perched on a wall at this location in Cwmbran. Sadly the gull did not survive this attack and was later put to sleep at an out-of-hours vets.” She added that there were concerns about a fledgling bird in the area at the time.
