NUMEROUS reports of gulls being shot and nests being destroyed in the coastal areas of Denbighshire, and in Abergele.

North Wales Police’s Rural Crime Team said nests are reportedly being deliberately destroyed even when in use.

PC Bennett, from the team, said: “The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides legislation that protects all wild birds, including gulls and their nests, eggs and chicks.

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“It is illegal to deliberately kill, injure or take gulls except under licence. The use of an air rifle in these circumstances may also constitute a firearms offence.”

Mark Thomas, head of investigations at the RSPB, added: “Like all wild birds in the UK, gulls and their nests and eggs are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

“It’s a criminal offence to intentionally kill, take or injure them, or destroy their nests and/or eggs, and committing these types of offences could result in a significant fine or time in prison.

“Anyone with information about the illegal shooting or harming of gulls should contact the police immediately on 101.”

RSPCA scientific and policy officer, Rebecca Machin, said: “We should all want to live in communities where our wildlife is treated with kindness.

“Herring gulls in particular are a species of conservation concern in the UK and their populations are in decline.

“Sadly, many people have an unfavourable opinion of them and we know they can even be targeted - but these are intelligent animals who form strong social bonds with each other, and deserve to be treated with respect.

“As we mark our 200th birthday this summer, we continue to urge everyone to rethink their relationship with all animals as part of our ‘For Every Kind’ campaign.”