A herring gull that snatched a customer's fish and chip supper outside a shop in Barmouth, Wales, was kicked to death by an angry individual. The incident occurred at around 1pm on 4 August on Marine Parade.
The RSPCA has launched an investigation and is appealing for information to identify a curly-haired man, approximately 5ft 10in (1.78m) tall and wearing a black jacket, who is of interest to the case. The charity confirmed the bird later died from its injuries.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Julia Dalgleish reminded the public that gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to cause them suffering. She noted that despite negative perceptions, gulls are intelligent animals that form strong social bonds.
This incident follows a separate case in Liverpool on 1 July, where a baby seagull was allegedly killed by a man who smashed its head against a rubbish bin. The RSPCA is also seeking information about that attack, which occurred after 8pm in the Whitechapel area.
