Seagull pestering beachgoers saved from death penalty
A naughty seagull has been saved from the 'death penalty' after he was sentenced for attacking beachgoers on the Channel Islands.
Gulliver the seagull has been causing mayhem at St Ouen's Bay by dive-bombing beach trippers and stealing their hats and food.
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Councillors in Jersey ordered he be shot or trapped and killed.
Gulliver's possible pending demise became known to nature star Chris Packham, and resulting campaign by 700 islanders has seen a stay of execution.
Chris highlighted the case on Twitter, writing: "Hello @StatesofJersey – can I ask why you are even considering killing an amber listed bird because it's an 'inconvenience'?
"In this mad 21stC how you consider a gull 'dangerous' is beyond me. Life matters. Save not slaughter it."
According to the Metro, in another tweet he added: "I don't think Gulliver should die. And I definitely don't think he's dangerous. Maybe a free roaming Tyrannosaur on Jersey would put things in perspective?
"Please join me in thwarting this ignorant intolerance."
According to the BBC, all species of gull are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which makes it illegal to intentionally injure or kill the bird.
However, the site adds, the law allows licences to be issued to kill gulls if there is a threat to public health and safety.
The decision has now been made to instead relocate the bird.
He has been captured and is in the care of the JSPCA, and will be released at Les Minquiers rocks next week.
Speaking to ITV News, Deputy Steve Luce, environment minister, said: "All wildlife should be treated with respect and given the best chance to live a natural, productive life.
"We believe this is the best option, both for those members of the public who have been intimidated by the bird, and for the bird itself to live a life away from interference."
