Warning over Falmouth seagull shooting (From Falmouth Packet)

Warning over Falmouth seagull shooting

10:00am Thursday 6th September 2012 in Falmouth/Penryn

AIR GUNS and air rifles are being used in central Falmouth to try to kill seagulls, according to police.

PCSO Sean McDonnell took to the police’s Facebook page to warn that the practice was “extremely dangerous” and also illegal.

He said that the air guns were being used in built up town centre locations and that windows had been damaged by pellets on three occasions.

PCSO McDonnell added: “Please be aware that it is against the law to kill seagulls, as they are a protected species. "It is also an offence to discharge an air weapon in a public place, even if you fire it from within your own property and it goes beyond your boundary, under sec. 19 of the Firearms act 1968.

"This practice is extremely dangerous and could result in serious injury to innocent people.

“If you or anyone else you know are partaking in this activity please stop. It could lead to a very serious incident.”

The birds are protected, along with all other wild birds, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.

One woman whose home was damaged by pellets was Lily Pridie, who contacted the police after discovering a hole in one of her windows.

The story provoked an angry reaction from readers on our website at thepacket.co.uk. Victoria Meldrew wrote: “What on earth is wrong with people? “It seems to me if you don't like something there's a let’s get rid of it attitude. “I don't particularly like children but I wouldn’t shoot at them - all creatures have the right to exist whether they are seen as pests or whatever.”

A second anonymous reader added: “How long before someone gets seriously hurt? Yes seagulls are a pest, but you can’t take the law into your own hands to get rid of them. The people who are responsible for shooting them are pests as well.”