Could Moray gull attacks turn deadly? Readers have their say on Douglas Ross claim
Former Moray MP Douglas Ross claimed last week that people could lose their lives in gull attacks if the Scottish Government failed to address the “growing problem”.
The claim is not as far fetched as many may believe. In 2012, an 80-year-old man in Wales died after suffering a heart attack caused by a flock of angry seagulls which had swooped on him after he had accidentally disturbed a nest of chicks.
More recently, a woman in Elgin broke her leg after being attacked by a gull before being attacked once again when she left hospital where she had been treated for the initial attack.
The issue is far from a new one. Moray Council itself has implemented measures to try and curb Elgin’s gull problem such as the introduction of sonar devices.
The local authority even went as far as writing to the Scottish Government asking for legislation to be changed to better combat the problem.
And despite Inverness being confirmed as the host of a summit on how to deal with the issue, our readers have reacted in their hundreds to Mr Ross’ claim and offered insight into how they think gulls should best be dealt with.
Kenny MacIver said Mr Ross was “understating the problem”.
He said: “Getting divebombed is only part of the problem.
“There’s no mention of the desecrating on cars, houses, shop windows and the 24-hour screeching.
“We can’t sleep with the windows open
“Addressing the problem by culling or egg destruction will be met with legal action by the RSPB who have funds beyond what any council are prepared to fork out.
“As for NatureScot taking any positive action, well, that’s a dead duck for a start.”
Kim Nielsen-Millar said: “If people stopped leaving rubbish everywhere and letting their bins overflow, gulls would be less of an issue away from the sea.”
Roy Munro agreed, adding: “If councils empty bins more frequently then this issue wouldn't happen.”
Fiona Abenheimer offered another solution.
She said: “A pest control company which uses birds of prey would help, plus people should perhaps try not to eat outside.
“I realise that's not always possible, but if food isn't available the birds have nothing to chase you for.”
Some readers called for restraint.
Alex Liddle said: “These birds have as much right to be on this planet as we do. Probably more then you consider the damage we’re doing.”
George Mackenzie said: “We have destroyed their food supply and nesting grounds, give them a break.”
Janice MacLeod said: “Get a grip. Seagulls belong here.”
Samuel Gee said: “What do people expect when they are nesting and probably protecting their young.”
Other readers shared their experiences of being attacked by gulls.
Alison Edwards said: “We had a gull a few days ago badly bite a secondary school pupil as it swooped to steal food from their hand. Pupil needed an anti-tetanus.”
William Fitzsimmons said: “I saw a young girl being attacked by a seagull yesterday in Elgin High Street. She was terrified.”
Rosemary Jane Thomson said: “I had just sat down on the seats across from the bank a couple weeks ago when I thought someone had come up from behind and ruffled my hair. It was a Seagull landed on my head.
“I wasn't even eating anything. Quite scary.
“I have been attacked by a seagull previously a few years ago. Grabbed a sandwich from my hand and drew blood.”
