Bath seeks legal exception to stop 'distressing' seagull attacks

Authorities in Bath are seeking permission to remove gull nests if the birds are found to threaten public safety. Complaints have been made about aggressive gulls, with reports of them disturbing sleep and even attacking people and pets, but there are laws in place to protect them, their eggs and their nests.

It's only legal to interfere with gulls' nests after obtaining consent from Natural England. Bath and North East Somerset Council is now applying for a licence to remove nests during the breeding season, though this will only be permitted when people have been injured and left in need of medical attention.

A noise complaint won't suffice - the licence would only permit removal when someone’s safety is at risk, Somerset Live reports. Cabinet member for neighbourhood services, Tim Ball, said: "We know that urban gulls can become a nuisance and even cause distress for people in some instances, however we are limited in how much we can do to solve this because it is illegal to interfere with the birds or their nests.

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"We urge residents and businesses who are experiencing problems with gulls to ensure they aren't making their roofs and gardens an attractive target by removing outdoor waste wherever possible. It's also advisable if you're planning property renovations to get professional advice on building gull-deterring measures, such as spikes, into the works.

"We will shortly be applying to Natural England for a licence to take action in cases where gulls are putting people's safety or health at risk. Anyone who feels they are experiencing a serious situation of this nature is encouraged to report it to us."

In July last year, a Bath woman called on the council for further action after being victim to what she described as a "vicious attack." She shared: "I was attacked recently walking out of M&S with unopened food. As I was putting it in my bag I felt a heavy thud on my back.

"I only realised what it was when a wing hit me across my head and the bird actually bent over my shoulder to peck through the plastic and managed a bite out of the food. Two women checked I was ok as it was such a vicious attack."

In September last year, a resident of the new Riverside development flagged that the gulls there were "impossible to escape" and he had been compelled to seek shelter with friends and family. Pleading with the council to intervene, he expressed: "My health and wellbeing have suffered from lack of sleep, anxiety, and inability to concentrate with windows open, even in the stifling heat of summer."

If your health is being affected by gulls, you can report it to the council here. Bristol is not immune to the complaints either, with people reporting food being snatched, messy streets and vermin from birds' bin-diving, and noisy squawking interfering with sleep.