Seagull dies in 'illegal' netting

A SEAGULL has died whilst being trapped in what the National Gull Rescue and Protection (NGRP) describe as "illegal anti-gull netting" on the roof of Thalia House, Bexhill.

Tim McKenzie of NGRP said the dead gull is just one in a long line birds who have been trapped in the netting on the roof of the London Road residential home:

"This is the only netting in the whole of Bexhill that is literally a death trap for birds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"This is the fifth incident that we know about, the RSPCA have been out there three times and upset neighbours have called the fire brigade."

He added: "The netting is illegal, its poor, it's weak, its cheap, flimsy, its sagging and trapping the birds. It's the worst netting in the town of Bexhill that we have had to deal with."

Tim said in many instances, even if trapped birds do manage to escape from the netting, they often have ligature wounds which could lead to blood clots and death.

Tim said: "As the bird bounces on the netting it has nothing to push against, it can't get enough oomph to fly off and it's wings get trapped, often they end up with broken wings and/or legs."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesperson for AmicusHorizon,owners of Thalia House, said:

"AmicusHorizon fitted the roof netting at Thalia House on London Road, Bexhill.

"It was put up as a health and safety precaution and to prevent hazards arising from seagulls nesting on the roof.

"An inspector from our Asset Management team will inspect the netting at the property. If the findings of his report show that the netting is endangering seagulls, we will take action to rectify this."

For further information on NGRP visit the website at: www.seagullrescue.co.uk