Red-Listed Gull Allegedly Killed at McDonald’s Following Rescue

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is investigating allegations that a red-listed gull was intentionally killed at a fast-food establishment merely weeks after being rescued by a rehabilitation centre. The animal welfare organization is examining accounts suggesting a great black-backed gull was repeatedly struck by a vehicle in the parking area of a McDonald’s restaurant located in Harwich, Essex. This particular bird had been restored to good health at the Wildlives Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, situated close to Colchester, after being discovered with injuries. Rosie Catford, a representative from the centre, stated: “He became special to us so we were in unbelievable shock and couldn’t believe what we were hearing.” The great black-backed gull is included on the UK Red List, designating it as a species requiring conservation efforts. The deliberate killing of these birds is prohibited by law. This specific seagull, which the rescue centre had affectionately named Albert Tross because of its considerable size, was returned to its natural habitat in October and possessed the potential to live for an additional 20 years. Prior to being tube-fed and progressively nursed back to health by Ms Catford and her team, the bird had been discovered in a state of starvation, unable to stand, and severely dehydrated. Soon after its release into the wild, it entered the parking lot of a McDonald’s, where, according to witnesses, a customer caused its death before departing the scene “laughing”. “It doesn’t matter if it is an endangered species or just an animal, for someone to deliberately do something like this is unspeakable,” Ms Catford further commented; her rescue charity operates from Thorrington. She continued: “The gull, I believe, was disembowelled and found in a very bad way, but I don’t believe the death was instantaneous. “Hopefully it went directly to a vets to be put out of its suffering. It is very distressing.” An RSPCA spokesperson characterized the event as an “upsetting incident”. They urged: “We would ask if anyone has any information regarding this incident to please call the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident 01385508.” For updates on Essex news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.