A SEAGULL was targeted in a suspected poisoning in Bridport which has been labelled as ‘cruel and unnecessary’ by police.

The Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis Safer Neighbourhood Team posted this photo, above, on Facebook in an attempt to discourage any further poisoning incidents.

Team members said the poisoned seagull was discovered today, Friday July 17, in the yard of the Bridport Police office on Tannery Road.

The RSCPA were called and are now looking after the bird, which is also currently looking after one seagull chick.

Scott McGregor of Bridport Police said the bird was discovered in a ‘near death state’ in the yard, which was distressing to see.

He said he had posted the photo to Facebook and into the public domain in an effort to contest the recent notoriety of seagulls in the press.

PC McGregor added: “Whether you love them or loathe them, one of our resident seagulls here in Bridport is suffering following a suspected poisoning.

“The seagull had vomited considerably and when the RSPCA were sent out it was their view that the bird was poisoned.

“The seagull is currently looking after one chick and the RSCPA were dispatched, who are now looking after the bird.

“If anyone knows of anybody in the local community who is engaging in this cruel manner towards protected birds, we would urge them to contact the RSPCA.

“Seagulls are protected for a reason and there is no need to poison them, causing them unnecessary cruelty and suffering.”

All gulls, like other wild birds, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It is illegal to intentionally injure or kill any gull or to damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs can issue licences for control measures to be taken if there is a public health or safety risk but not if gulls are causing a nuisance or damaging property.

Herring gulls are large, noisy gulls that live around British coasts throughout the year.

Adults have light grey backs, white bodies, black wing tips and yellow beaks with a red spot.

Young birds are mottled brown.

The common gull is a smaller version of the herring gull and has no red spot showing on its beak.