Scarborough: RSPCA issues netting warning after rescuing entangled gull

The seagull became trapped in netting on top of a building in Scarborough

The RSPCA has issued a warning about the dangers of badly-fitted anti-bird netting on buildings after a seagull needed to be rescued.

The gull was spotted entangled at the top of a four-storey building in Scarborough, High Street, in March.

RSPCA officer Shane Lynn who went to help the bird, along with firefighters, said the it was found "dehydrated and dazed" but not injured.

He said the netting had the potential to cause a "long and painful death"

Mr Lynn said: "This poor bird was completely entangled in bird deterrent netting four storeys up over the guttering, and he was never going to make it out on his own.

"As he was so high up, I contacted North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service for their expert help. To ensure the public's safety, they closed the road, then used their equipment to ascend to within reach of the gull.

"They were able to gently disentangle the gull from the netting and put him into the bag I'd given them, before descending to ground level."

The seagull had to be rescued by fire crews

He added the bird was "a bit dehydrated, dazed and lethargic" but "luckily he didn't have any major injuries".

The owner of the building was also contacted and will now replace or remove the netting, Mr Shane added.

He said: "We all want to see wildlife safe in our communities but, unfortunately, our officers do see a lot of birds trapped in or behind netting.

"Problems arise when netting is put up incorrectly or becomes damaged, leaving gaps where birds can enter and become trapped.

"These birds can suffer a long and painful death from injury or starvation if they are unable to escape."