Man jailed for stamping seagull to death

Anthony Nurse was captured on CCTV footage

A man who killed a seagull by repeatedly stamping on it has been jailed.

Anthony Nurse, from Liverpool was seen to attack the bird in the Springfield Road area of Blackpool, Lancashire, at about 12:17 GMT on 17 December 2024.

He was seen kicking out at a group of gulls before one got caught under his foot and was killed, animal charity RSPCA said.

Nurse, 31, of Hurstlyn Road in Allerton, who admitted intentionally killing a wild bird at an earlier hearing, was jailed for six weeks by Preston Magistrates' Court.

'Extreme cruelty'

The RSPCA released a CCTV image of the incident in an appeal to catch him. He was charged following is arrest on unrelated issues.

RSPCA Inspector Daniel Tomlinson, who collected the remains of the bird and investigated the case, said: "The footage of what happened to this poor gull was distressing to watch and we'd like to thank the person who got in touch with us and enabled this investigation to go forward.

"Sadly, gulls are one of the most victimised wild birds, and the RSPCA receives a report about deliberate or extreme cruelty to them every three days.

"We think it's important we promote understanding about these unique and fascinating birds, how they deserve our compassion and respect, and that there are serious conservation concerns about some species.

"We will continue to work to protect and prevent cruelty to all animals, including those which are less popular or misunderstood."

Nurse is due to appear at Preston Crown Court next month in an unrelated case accused of supplying Class A drugs.