Sea Gulls poisoned on the Rock of Gibraltar

THE Department of Environment in Gibraltar has seen a surprising number of dying Yellow-legged Gulls displaying unusual symptoms over the last few months.

Veterinary analyses have shown that these birds have been poisoned and although they are something of a menace on the Rock, the public has been reminded that the killing of all wild birds including gulls is illegal without a licence.

Poisoning results in a slow and painful death that is extremely cruel and the use of poison can have unintended consequences and affect other fauna, either other species that take the poisoned bait or predators that eat poisoned prey.

Indeed some of these species may be rare and the poison could potentially affect children and, pets.

The Department of the Environment is currently investigating all evidence at its disposal and may approach the Royal Gibraltar Police in due course to review the matter further if the deaths continue.