JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

June 2006  

Herring gull victim of malicious attack

An adult Herring Gull was brought to the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter on Sunday night after the duty JSPCA ambulance driver was alerted by a member of the pubic to a bird that appeared to have been ‘painted’ and was in distress.  The Herring Gull was found in the North Quay area of St Helier on Victoria Pier.

The duty JSPCA driver was astonished by what he found when he attended the bird.  The bird has been sprayed with orange coloured paint and a crude green cardboard “hat” had been fastened to the bird’s head using yellow insulator tape.  The hat had been fastened so tightly around it’s head and neck that the bird’s movements were restricted and the bird was having difficulty breathing.

The hat was immediately removed and the bird is receiving appropriate treatment at the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter, with every attempt being made to remove the paint from the bird’s plumage.

Herring Gulls are protected under the Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2000, which makes it illegal to intentionally injure or kill any gull.  This malicious and cruel incident is being treated very seriously and the Police have already been notified of the event and are currently making enquiries.  Any member of the public who may have further information about this terrible incident should contact the Police Station.

ENDS