Seagulls almost killed by doughnut filled with metal screws

Someone pushed nails into a doughnut and left it for animals to eat.

The RSPCA has condemned the ‘irresponsible’ behaviour, after seagulls swooped on the trap.

Three sharp screws were inserted into the sugary snack, found on a holiday resort in Newquay, Cornwall.

Several gulls were fighting over it and one picked it up, before luckily dropping it before it was harmed.

Local resident Tasha Bowler said her mother then stepped in to grab it before it could injure any of the birds.

Sharing an image of the trap on Facebook, Tasha wrote: ‘My mum found seagulls fighting over this doughnut full of screws and quickly got it as one of them dropped it, luckily.

‘Please keep an eye out. I know a lot of people don’t like seagulls but it doesn’t mean they have the right to harm them.

‘Not to mention a dog could have also picked it up and eaten it. Such a horrible thing to do.’

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: ‘Unfortunately many see gulls as pests but all it takes is a little care and understanding to minimise any inconvenience caused by these birds.

‘Every year we receive calls about gulls which have been persecuted and the victim of abusive attacks.

‘Many have stones thrown at them, others left homeless after their nests are illegally destroyed and large numbers are the target of people taking pot shots at them with airguns.

‘Herring gulls in particular are a species of conservation concern in the UK and evidence indicates that overall herring gull populations are actually in decline.

‘The RSPCA believes that deterrents and non-lethal methods of control are the best way to reduce gull related problems.

‘Not feeding the gulls and disposing of rubbish properly, and blocking off areas where gulls normally nest outside of the breeding season will help to reduce the problems.’

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