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sweep
05-Jul-13, 20:07
Do you know if it's against the Law to feed seagulls in the town? Apart from the mess, they can be aggressive and a hazard for our garden birds. Lady near us feeds them every day.

sids
05-Jul-13, 20:20
People feed all sorts of birds. How can it be a crime?

mi16
05-Jul-13, 22:20
It's a crime to harm themNot to feed them

jacko
05-Jul-13, 23:33
If they are causing problems on your property you have the right to shoot them humanely with an air rifle.
And I think it is an offence to feed them. Ask the police ,my friend did and that,s what he said they told him. I read in the papers some time ago that an old girl in Fraserburgh was feeding them . She would nt take the warning , was served with an Asbo ,still did nt stop , she was taken to court and was sentenced to 2 weeks in jail. A bit harse i thought but she was warned.
The old Woman across the road from me feeds them 3 times a day 7 days a week .she actually buy s old loaves from lidle,s & Tesco.s for the purpose. Ive been nice and politely asked her to please stop it. but she s to damned stubborn and obstinate. and the mess is inbelievable.
The bird s are now colonising , If they start to nest on my chimney, one thing you can be sure of is . i will be shooting them.
No way am i going to be terrorised by them like i was last year . ps. last year i did shoot them.

jacko
05-Jul-13, 23:37
Do you know if it's against the Law to feed seagulls in the town? Apart from the mess, they can be aggressive and a hazard for our garden birds. Lady near us feeds them every day.

Sweep you have my sympathy.s we live with that day in day out.There were time we could nt sit in our own garden .get a gun n shoot the flying rats.

one vision
05-Jul-13, 23:38
us so called humans make a bigger mess of this planet, so i wouldnt worry about seagulls, they have a right to live on this planet to and protect there young, nowt wrong we feeding them, we take there source of food from the sea and eat it, were all gods creatures

shazzap
05-Jul-13, 23:45
It's the pigeons here. Rats with wings.

one vision
05-Jul-13, 23:45
us humans r the rats causing destruction to this world we live,

Sweep you have my sympathy.s we live with that day in day out.There were time we could nt sit in our own garden .get a gun n shoot the flying rats.

one vision
05-Jul-13, 23:58
you will find that it is against the law to shoot a gull and certainly against the law to discharge an airrifle wen ther are other houses near buy as this will be a public place and hope u have a licence for ur air gun,

shazzap
06-Jul-13, 00:01
us humans r the rats causing destruction to this world we live, Speak for yourself. :eek:

one vision
06-Jul-13, 00:10
i am speaking for myself,we are the human rats that cause destruction all over this world, seagulls only want to survive like every other living creature

sids
06-Jul-13, 00:31
It's the pigeons here. Rats with wings.

And the horses. Rats with hoofs!

suth13
06-Jul-13, 09:11
Good point, one vision pitty more of us humans didn't behave like our feathered friends .

jacko
06-Jul-13, 09:26
Thing being , i really dont give a hoot what the scorry lover s think . Im not going to be intimidated by seagulls crapping over everything swooping down attacking me on MY OWN PROPERTY.... BTW,.. YES, I DO HAVE A LICENCE. not for Airgun,s but an Open Firearms Certificate and a Shotgun Licence, These are the weapons that i cannot discharge near houses or built up areas,
But tell you something , ive been sorely tempted of late.

ducati
06-Jul-13, 11:03
Thing being , i really dont give a hoot what the scorry lover s think . Im not going to be intimidated by seagulls crapping over everything swooping down attacking me on MY OWN PROPERTY.... BTW,.. YES, I DO HAVE A LICENCE. not for Airgun,s but an Open Firearms Certificate and a Shotgun Licence, These are the weapons that i cannot discharge near houses or built up areas,
But tell you something , ive been sorely tempted of late.

If Jacko, by your own admission, you are turning slightly phsycopathic (sorely tempted), then you are obliged to turn yourself in to the police for a reasessment of your suitability to have a firearms certificate. And if you live in town as you say, there actually under the rules can be very little justification for you having one in the first place.

Let us know how you get on.

pat
06-Jul-13, 11:46
Why not get a large plastic/resin/stone eagle/owl and place it in a very prominent position - on top of a pole in your garden to scare off the large birds. Neighbour has put a large one on top of a high pole on the edge of garden and it is working at keeping all large birds away from his hens - the hoodie crows as well as seagulls are definitely not attacking the eggs, chickens and hens - been in position for a good while and it is still scaring them away. Next time I am on mainland will be getting one to keep the hoodies out of area around house as these birds have no fear of humans.

mi16
06-Jul-13, 11:55
If Jacko, by your own admission, you are turning slightly phsycopathic (sorely tempted), then you are obliged to turn yourself in to the police for a reasessment of your suitability to have a firearms certificate. And if you live in town as you say, there actually under the rules can be very little justification for you having one in the first place.Let us know how you get on.I dont think being tempted to shoot a bird could be classed as psychopathic, also where did jacko say he/she lived in a town?

sids
06-Jul-13, 12:19
I dont think being tempted to shoot a bird could be classed as psychopathic,

Ask a parrot, to get the other side's view.

jacko
06-Jul-13, 12:48
Thing being , i really dont give a hoot what the scorry lover s think . Im not going to be intimidated by seagulls crapping over everything swooping down attacking me on MY OWN PROPERTY.... BTW,.. YES, I DO HAVE A LICENCE. not for Airgun,s but an Open Firearms Certificate and a Shotgun Licence, These are the weapons that i cannot discharge near houses or built up areas,
But tell you something , ive been sorely tempted of late.

But then Ducati you would defend those flying rats would nt you. your in the business of cleaning car s are.nt you. guess their your friend s ....[lol]. but dont worry i shall be exterminating them as and how i can . on my property.

Kodiak
06-Jul-13, 13:44
But then Ducati you would defend those flying rats would nt you. your in the business of cleaning car s are.nt you. guess their your friend s ....[lol]. but dont worry i shall be exterminating them as and how i can . on my property.

This is for Scotland

The principal legislation dealing with the protection of birds is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This makes it illegal to intentionally capture, injure or destroy wild birds or interfere with an active nest or its contents.

However, the law does recognise that, in some circumstances, control may be necessary against particular species of birds. Under section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Scottish Executive annually issues general licences. These authorise the killing or taking of certain species of wild birds, including Feral Pigeon, Herring Gull, Lesser black-backed gull and Great black-backed gull for the purpose of:-

protecting any collection of wild birds (licence SEGEN/09),
preserving public health, public safety, or air safety (licence SEGEN/10), and
preventing the spread of disease and serious damage to livestock or agriculture (licence SEGEN/22)

Please note that a Licence is required, without one you can be prosecuted. Actions outside the terms and conditions of a general licence or that have not been permitted by any other individual licences are criminal offences.

sids
06-Jul-13, 14:25
So, is feeding them ok then?

Alrock
06-Jul-13, 14:36
Yes, just mix some Alka-seltzer in with the food first.

jacko
06-Jul-13, 14:38
So, is feeding them ok then?

make your own mind up then...?

Council urges public not to feed seagulls (13/06/11) http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/5B953BCA-F795-485A-89B6-363A2A323C76/0/SeagullControl.jpg (http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/5B953BCA-F795-485A-89B6-363A2A323C76/0/SeagullControl.jpg)

The Highland Council is reminding members of the public not to feed seagulls as it re-launches its campaign to raise awareness of the problem of seagulls nesting in Highland urban areas.
A guidance leaflet on seagull control is available on the Highland Council website at: www.highland.gov.uk/seagullcontrol (http://www.highland.gov.uk/seagullcontrol.htm) and from Council Service Points, Libraries and Transport Environmental and Community Services offices.
While the Council has no statutory duty to take action against gulls, it recognises the misery that gulls cause members of the public throughout the nesting season. In particular, the Council is seeking the cooperation of the public in eradicating the food sources which attract gulls by discouraging people from feeding gulls at home and in parks and other open spaces. Businesses are asked to ensure that litter and other food waste is properly stored in closed bins.
Councillor John Laing, Chairman of The Highland Council’s TEC Services Committee, said: “There is no easy answer to dealing with the gull problem; however the situation could be made a whole lot better by taking up some of the suggested measures contained in the leaflet and by eliminating food sources for gulls.
“Gulls are very opportunistic scavengers and will take advantage of any food scraps that we humans leave lying around from take-aways or overflowing bins. What is worse is the deliberate feeding of gulls by people throwing food to them in the street or feeding them in their gardens. I would like to thank the many people who already act responsibly but now encourage others to follow by not feeding gulls.”
The guidance leaflet provides information and advice on gulls and the law; problems caused by gulls; the controlling of gulls; deterrent measures; and education about gulls. The leaflet also explains that only licensed contractors with specialist skill and experience are legally allowed to kill certain species of gulls and what homeowners and businesses can do to prevent gulls nesting on their properties. Examples are given of the different types of deterrent measures that can be taken to try to prevent gulls from nesting.
The campaign to raise awareness of the problem of seagulls nesting in urban areas in the Highlands was first introduced in the Highlands in May 2010 by The Highland Council.
-ends-


of course there are those that think they know better and continue to feed them regardless.

jacko
06-Jul-13, 14:40
Yes, just mix some Alka-seltzer in with the food first.

how would that work then Alrock....how about antifreeze????

Alrock
06-Jul-13, 14:44
how would that work then Alrock....how about antifreeze????

Apparently their digestive system can't handle it & their internal organs explode.

jacko
06-Jul-13, 14:48
Apparently their digestive system can't handle it & their internal organs explode.


well thank you very much... but alka - seltzer is much more expensive than antifreeze or a lead slug. :cool:

mi16
06-Jul-13, 15:27
Baking soda does the same thingBirds canna fart

sids
06-Jul-13, 16:01
Birds canna fart

Not like blokes, anyway.

sids
06-Jul-13, 16:04
make your own mind up then...?

Council urges public not to feed seagulls (13/06/11) http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/5B953BCA-F795-485A-89B6-363A2A323C76/0/SeagullControl.jpg (http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/5B953BCA-F795-485A-89B6-363A2A323C76/0/SeagullControl.jpg)



Gaelic instructions about not feeding gulls! Who pays for that dross?

jacko
06-Jul-13, 16:59
Gaelic instructions about not feeding gulls! Who pays for that dross?

think their bilingual.

sids
06-Jul-13, 17:00
think their bilingual.

Does that mean they carry Gaelic instructions?

jacko
06-Jul-13, 17:11
Does that mean they carry Gaelic instructions?

likely, but your right still a waste of money , same as the stupid road signs.

Bobinovich
06-Jul-13, 19:07
Sweep & Jacko, I suggest you get a huge pile of those Bird Control leaflets & put them through your neighbours door - start with 1 & if they continue, do 2, then 4, 8, 16 etc...until they get the message...

wicker
06-Jul-13, 20:40
They are horrible nasty birds, don't mind the little birds as they don't do no harm but scorries are swooping down and injuring people, trying to take food from people there are far too many off them, we cull other animals due to being over populated, why not the nuiscence that is the scorrie.

orkneycadian
06-Jul-13, 21:39
Under section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Scottish Executive annually issues general licences. These authorise the killing or taking of certain species of wild birds, including Feral Pigeon, Herring Gull, Lesser black-backed gull and Great black-backed gull for the purpose of:-

.....

Please note that a Licence is required, without one you can be prosecuted. Actions outside the terms and conditions of a general licence or that have not been permitted by any other individual licences are criminal offences.

Apologies if I have picked up the meaning of your post incorrectly, but you do not apply for a general licence. You just have to do what it says in it. The licence is issued annual and you can print it off various websites.

Kodiak
06-Jul-13, 22:21
Apologies if I have picked up the meaning of your post incorrectly, but you do not apply for a general licence. You just have to do what it says in it. The licence is issued annual and you can print it off various websites.

You are correct and incorrect at the same time, as was I. I forgot to mention that a Licence to an individual can also be issued. These licences can be specific - issued to individuals on a case-by-case basis or general granted annually by the country administrations for use by an ‘authorised person’ (usually the landowner, occupier or someone authorised by them).

Actions outside the terms and conditions of a general licence or that have not been permitted by any other individual licences are criminal offences.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/gardening/unwantedvisitors/gulls/thelaw.aspx

Kenn
07-Jul-13, 01:35
If you live by the sea it's a fact of life that you will be plagued by gulls at certain times of the year but actively encouraging them by feeding is much to be derided. however if the gulls here are anything to go by they will find a way to access any food going!

Phill
07-Jul-13, 08:35
Who or what are we feeding the gulls to?

pat
07-Jul-13, 09:58
Phil - definitely like that one. Here in Lewis we do not have much of a problem with gulls until the visitors start feeding them in the summer with the leftovers from their carryout meals, the gulls become braver every day. This year the visitors have not been wandering around so much with food in their hands - eating inside due to the weather and leaving the food they would normally have thrown to the gulls on the plates in restaurants - so no problem so far this year. Here the scorries follow the boats in as they are gutting and cleaning, lovely to see as can remember that was how it was in Caithness years ago. Anyone know any other ways of getting rid of hoodie crows than owl/eagle statues?

jacko
07-Jul-13, 10:47
Well over here on the east coast in Wick there are no fishing boats as such.just the odd creeler... The gull,s used to nest on the rocks at the sea , but now they have moved into the towns for easier pickings and to be hand fed by morons throwing food at them , If one is walking anywhere with food in their hands they most likely will be attacked and swooped down on. the gull,s are now that bold. Imagine being cut by the beak of one of those scavengers. just think on where the beak was last , inside some rotting carcass. ( then cutting you. )

Not a nice thought is it . worse still a child or an infant . And what would make it worse is that it can/has/will happen in the privacy of YOUR own property.i/e your private garden. .these creatures should be culled yearly untill they become as extinct as the DoDo
they have absolutely no purpose and should be classed as the vermin that they are.

ducati
07-Jul-13, 10:59
Well over here on the east coast in Wick there are no fishing boats as such.just the odd creeler... The gull,s used to nest on the rocks at the sea , but now they have moved into the towns for easier pickings and to be hand fed by morons throwing food at them , If one is walking anywhere with food in their hands they most likely will be attacked and swooped down on. the gull,s are now that bold. Imagine being cut by the beak of one of those scavengers. just think on where the beak was last , inside some rotting carcass. ( then cutting you. )

Not a nice thought is it . worse still a child or an infant . And what would make it worse is that it can/has/will happen in the privacy of YOUR own property.i/e your private garden. .these creatures should be culled yearly untill they become as extinct as the DoDo
they have absolutely no purpose and should be classed as the vermin that they are.

Have you been to the polis yet? Don't worry, I'm sure they read this and you will be getting a knock shortly.

jacko
07-Jul-13, 12:42
Have you been to the polis yet? Don't worry, I'm sure they read this and you will be getting a knock shortly.

lol get a life man. [lol].............heh heh , i am the polis [lol] of my own property ...[lol]

sids
07-Jul-13, 12:56
Have you been to the polis yet? Don't worry, I'm sure they read this and you will be getting a knock shortly.

For libelling gulls? That would be a civil matter.

jacko
07-Jul-13, 13:18
For libelling gulls? That would be a civil matter.
lol , i know , just to funny [lol]...but then again i guess it would,nt be anything to CROW about.
anyway im not getting into a FLAP over it.

ocd
08-Jul-13, 23:03
us so called humans make a bigger mess of this planet, so i wouldnt worry about seagulls, they have a right to live on this planet to and protect there young, nowt wrong we feeding them, we take there source of food from the sea and eat it, were all gods creatures

I take it you have never been scared to leave or return to your home for fear of these vicious birds swooping on you?? Or been unable to put your washing out as most of it would come back in with poo on it....or constantly having to wash your car as every panel been poo'd upon, poo which I might add is like glue...constantly have to wash windows for same reason. Not to mention the damage on the paintwork on my car caused by pecking. Need I go on??

Pollycat
09-Jul-13, 09:15
Now I remember why I don't read the drivel in this forum. Off to do something productive - like weed the garden, feed the birds and shoot the boy racers that keep me awake at night!!

jacko
09-Jul-13, 09:35
I take it you have never been scared to leave or return to your home for fear of these vicious birds swooping on you?? Or been unable to put your washing out as most of it would come back in with poo on it....or constantly having to wash your car as every panel been poo'd upon, poo which I might add is like glue...constantly have to wash windows for same reason. Not to mention the damage on the paintwork on my car caused by pecking. Need I go on??

excactly. plus the fact that the paint on modern cars is now water based not as resilient as the old two pack. bird crap if left on the car burns its way through the lacquer and impregnate s itself into the paint below.

so you pay £40 k + on a nice car and have to wash the crap of it daily.

oh. and next now , will be some smart Alec on here saying garage it.

Big Gaz
09-Jul-13, 09:56
Now I remember why I don't read the drivel in this forum. Off to do something productive - like weed the garden, feed the birds and shoot the boy racers that keep me awake at night!!

Don't forget to find out what time Tesco opens!!

Pollycat
09-Jul-13, 10:24
And what makes you think I don't know their opening hours!!!? Lol

jacko
10-Jul-13, 21:31
Yes, just mix some Alka-seltzer in with the food first.

dos.nt work . nor do,s baking soda.

Even Chance
11-Jul-13, 08:55
Ive seen bicarbonate of soda working no problem. Very impressive, but does indeed take time to work.
Cant stand these things. Theyve become violent and un-afraid of humans. Its disgusting how some folk actually attract these dangerous aerial vermin by feeding them purposefully.
Sure they do a good job of cleaning up rubbish and keeping the numbers of rodents down, but the numbers in the Highlands is at massive levels.

Stick to feeding the cute wee birdies ya numpties, and give the scorries both barrels at every opportunity.

Thumper
11-Jul-13, 09:46
While these birds can be annoying,it is illegal to kill them! As for killing them so cruelly with bicarb of soda or something,well thats just sick!Shame on those who even entertain such an idea!x

jacko
11-Jul-13, 10:06
Gotta agree with Even Chance , So it s ok for folks to attract those flying rats , and then for them to mess the place up ,attack us, crap over our homes , cars ,gardens and washing. swoop down and steal from our hands.
Well Thumper , there undoubtedly are way to many of them, a massive cull is needed. every year the problem gets worse as the seagull population multiply,s. Why are theY protected anyway , they are disgusting filthy creatures that serve absolutely no purpose.
Some halfwit in sitting in an office in London decided most likely that they should be protected...??????

Thumper
12-Jul-13, 08:39
As I said I know they can be annoying,but they are protected,you can however get a special license for bad cases. I must admit I am terrified of birds,so scorries can be very intimidating,BUT I would never consider harming any,and feel that writing things on here about killing them with bicarb will just encourage idiots to try it! My Dad always said never trust a man who can harm an animal,and I have to admit he has been pretty right about that!x

jacko
12-Jul-13, 10:55
Each to his own. i would nt dream of harming a human, unless of course if he was harming me .
i am an animal lover, have two of the best kept dog s ever. but scorry s sorry , not worthy of any kind of good treatment .

and there i rest my case. i will do whatever it take s to protect me & mine. as far as im concerned this matter is closed.
i will not be making any further comments on this subject. .

Pollycat
12-Jul-13, 12:55
Have to agree with you there, Thumper!!

Liz
12-Jul-13, 13:34
Have to agree with you there, Thumper!!

Me too! :) Mans' answer to any problem with animals seems to be to kill them! :( Maybe they consider us to be the pests?

Bobinovich
12-Jul-13, 15:33
Mans' answer to any problem animals seems to be to kill them!

Corrected that for you Liz - have yet to see any decent suggestions as to what useful purpose scorries perform, why they're protected, or alternative methods of dealing with the pests legitimately :/

Liz
12-Jul-13, 17:50
Corrected that for you Liz - have yet to see any decent suggestions as to what useful purpose scorries perform, why they're protected, or alternative methods of dealing with the pests legitimately :/

Oops! What did I say? Thanks anyway Bobinovich. :)

Why do they have to have a purpose? Why can't they just be?

The only solution, if they are causing a problem, is not to encourage them by feeding them and for people to stop leaving food lying about which attracts them.

sweetpea
13-Jul-13, 16:48
As I said I know they can be annoying,but they are protected,you can however get a special license for bad cases. I must admit I am terrified of birds,so scorries can be very intimidating,BUT I would never consider harming any,and feel that writing things on here about killing them with bicarb will just encourage idiots to try it! My Dad always said never trust a man who can harm an animal,and I have to admit he has been pretty right about that!x

Totally agree and there's proven links between animal cruelty and child abuse too. Live and let live.

Gronnuck
13-Jul-13, 19:20
The only solution, if they are causing a problem, is for people to stop leaving food lying about which attracts them.

Too right! The scorries aren't the problem. The problem is humankind; people who litter everywhere and then blame someone or something else. I've yet to see a bird drop a bag of chips or throw a half eaten sarnie on the ground, yet there are areas of Thurso and Wick where this is very prevalant.

Thumper
15-Jul-13, 08:52
It is totally our fault that scorries have become so brave,because we do feed them! So we as humans have caused the problem,not the birds,they have just learnt from us! The same goes for lots of animals that become pests or even dangerous! Bears have learn that humans leave waste food around and that has encouraged hungry bears to come into towns,there is also a connection in some parts with humans feeding sharks for the "thrill" and shark attacks as some sharks now associate humans with food,so it is not the animals fault,it is ours!x

orkneycadian
15-Jul-13, 17:26
While these birds can be annoying,it is illegal to kill them!

Black backs are on the general licence, so as long as you meet the criteria on one of the general licences (which are not issued remember, they are "general" so they apply to anyone), they can be dealt with.

Moira
15-Jul-13, 21:47
I don't feed them but I reckon some of my neighbours do, We have a nest on our roof with two chicks and major parent attack whenever we step outdoors.

i would never harm them and shame on those who do.

We intend to remove the nest once the chicks have gone. We also intend to take measures to prevent the scorries building a nest on our roof next year.

golach
23-Jul-13, 09:36
Leithers do not like the damn things either

secrets in symmetry
23-Jul-13, 22:51
I like the post in your link golach.

I too was woken up by screeching skyrats at an unearthly hour this morning. I am tempted to buy a powerful air rifle....

jacko
24-Jul-13, 10:25
I like the post in your link golach.

I too was woken up by screeching skyrats at an unearthly hour this morning. I am tempted to buy a powerful air rifle....

They sure are a real pest, but i have come to the conclusion that unless the authority s actually do a serious cull of these damned things, buying a powerfull air rifle would be a waste of time and money.( Unless you shot the mindless moron s that feed them three times a day seven days a week ) ........?

Actually , i think it should be a fine_able offence, and the feeding offenders should be made to clean up the mess

secrets in symmetry
24-Jul-13, 10:37
The air rifle might not do much good in the long run, but it may relieve some of the anger and frustration....

Keyser_soze
26-Jul-13, 07:42
Rats of the sky, the old dears on either side of my flat & the old lady underneath seem to enjoy feeding these vermin, much to the annoyance of myself & the other neighbour to my right when we have washing out on the line, i have politely asked them not to do so but they repeatedly do it. I do own an air gun & if i have to keep repeatedly washing the same clothes & bedsheets because o them I will pump some lead in the vermins direction, not pump the old ladys, but it is a bit frustrating.

jacko
26-Jul-13, 09:43
Well Keyser, shoot em from the back ,,Their feathers are like armour to an air gun pellet . FROM THE BACK THE PELLETS WILL GO IN BETWEEN THE FEATHERS.

EOS
26-Jul-13, 11:50
The RSPB: Advice: Gulls and the law (http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/gardening/unwantedvisitors/gulls/thelaw.aspx)

All species of gull are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985

However, the law recognises that in certain circumstances control measures may be necessary. Simple nuisance or minor damage to property are not legally sanctioned reasons to kill gulls

sids
26-Jul-13, 12:27
Well Keyser, shoot em from the back ,,Their feathers are like armour to an air gun pellet . FROM THE BACK THE PELLETS WILL GO IN BETWEEN THE FEATHERS.

Shoot 'em in the back?

You're nothin' but a yellow coyote!