Blackpool seagull: is the picture of a man dragging the bird on a dog lead real, did the seagull die and has the man been arrested?

Police have issued a statement on what action they have taken against a Blackpool man seen ‘walking’ a seagull on a dog’s lead through the streets of the resort. Pictures and video of the man ‘walking’ the gull on Devonshire Road, near Bispham roundabout, circulated on Facebook this week, with many expressing concern for the seabird’s welfare.

The man, aged in his 50s, was stopped by police on Monday evening and arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, while the bird was taken off him by a member of the public. It was taken to a local vets but sadly had to be put down due to being unwell.

What have Blackpool police said about the seagull video?

A spokesman confirmed they were alerted to the incident on Monday and confirmed the footage was real and the bird was being dragged with a rope. The spokesman added: “We were called at about 8pm on Monday (April 10) to a report of a man pulling a live seagull along the pavement with a rope around its neck on Bispham Road.

“Officers attended and the man, in his 50s, was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and though subsequently de-arrested, the matter is still being investigated. “The bird was taken by a member of the public to a local vet where they decided it sadly had to be put down.”

At this stage, no action has been taken against the man in relation to allegations of animal cruelty, but Lancashire Police said the matter is still being investigated. Gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal to intentionally injure or kill them. Causing unnecessary suffering to the birds can also be considered a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

‘Vile’ and ‘totally unacceptable’

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “This is a distressing sight and we are very concerned for this gull’s welfare. It is totally inappropriate and unacceptable to treat any wild animal in this way.

“Putting a gull on a leash would be extremely stressful for the bird as it would prevent it from being able to engage in its natural behaviour and could lead to injury or even death.

“Like all wild birds, gulls, their chicks and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

“This means it's illegal to intentionally kill, take or injure gulls, take or destroy their eggs, or damage or destroy any gull nests while they're in use or being built - unless you're acting under licence.

“Captive gulls, like this bird, are also protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which means their keeper is required to meet their welfare needs and avoid causing them unnecessary suffering.'”

What happened to the seagull in the video?

Brambles Wildlife Rescue said the gull had been taken to a vet by a concerned passer but had been euthanised. The spokesman added: “We have spoken with Lancashire Constabulary who are dealing with this and are aware of the identity and location of the person involved. They have telephoned today with an update to say a passerby secured the gull off him, it was taken to a vet and was sadly put to sleep.