Stop feeding the seagulls... or you could be fined £1,000

Saturday 05 August 2017

The Minister for the Environment has lodged a proposition to make it a crime to feed seagulls or any wild animals if it creates a nuisance to others living in the area.

If found being generous to wild animals, islanders could be fined up to £1,000, "as a last recourse" said Deputy Steve Luce.

If adopted, the regulations would make it a statutory nuisance to"feed any wild animal, bird, insect, reptile or fish in such a place or manner as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance." This could mean a fine of up to £1,000 for islanders who refuse to stop leaving breadcrumbs and leftovers for birds to enjoy.

First in the firing line are the seagulls, whose "...indiscriminate feeding on private land is increasingly becoming a problem to neighbours with noise, accumulation of guano, soiled laundry and the attraction of vermin," states the proposition

Deputy Luce explained that over the last decade, parts of the island have seen a growing number of seagulls causing troubles in private gardens and public places alike.  In some areas, seagulls have also been known to nest on roofs, causing minor damage to houses.

The deputy explained: "This is an issue that needs to be addressed. We have received a number of complaints as it is a nuisance and creates a lot of mess. People feed seagulls who take the habit of receiving food. They then start attacking people when they are having barbecues in their garden or a sandwich and steal the food from them. In town they get the habit of being fed by some premises and get used to being on the streets waiting for something to eat."

Pictured: Seagulls get used to being fed and then move on to snatching food out of islanders' hands.

To "sort it out," the Minister has decided to make such activity a statutory nuisance. This will have no adverse effect on people who wish to feed wild birds and do so as recommended by such bodies as the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB), where a nuisance is not created. The Minister says the main aim behind the new law will be to educate people about the nuisance wild animals, especially seagulls can cause. "We want to advise people and show them the effects the feeding can have. Food left outside can bring rats and other vermin."

The Minister is hopeful the department won't have to fine anyone. He explains: "Our officers will go and speak to people involved. We will speak to the 'offenders' to get them to stop. I am very hopeful that with a little education and advice we can make progress." 

"If people don't cooperate, then at least we will have the law as a last recourse. If people know it is there, they are more likely to think about the issue seriously. if needed, we will ask people who have made complaints to keep a diary of evidence as well as photographs to build a case. I would try and avoid at all costs to end up in court though, it is not necessary."