Dog owners have been urged to keep their pets on a lead after a chihuahua was snatched from its garden by a seagull.
The RSPCA has now issued vital advice on how small dog owners can keep their pets safe as the notorious seaside squawkers try to protect their offspring.
Seagulls usually lay their eggs in early May with it taking about three weeks for the first chicks to hatch.
While the chicks are growing, throughout June and July, the mother seagulls will become very protective and try to fend off any incoming 'threats' to their chicks.
An RSPCA spokeswoman told The Mirror: "Gulls that swoop suddenly on people or pets are usually just trying to protect nearby chicks that have left the nest but aren’t yet able to fly properly.
"They'll stop when the person or animal has moved away from their young.
"This behaviour usually only lasts for a few weeks during the summer until the chicks have fledged and are able to protect themselves."
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The spokeswoman added: "The RSPCA advises pet-owners to put their dog on a lead and to avoid disturbing the birds by keeping their distance from any gull nests, or chicks seen on the ground."
The advice comes after Gizmo, a chihuahua, was snatched by a seagull when playing in his back garden in Paignton, Devon, in July 2019.
Owner Becca Hill told Devon Live : "My partner was in the garden putting the washing out at the time and suddenly he saw it swoop down.
"It carried Gizmo a fair way as we couldn't see him anymore. I have no idea if he was dropped or where he is now."
In a heartbreaking post on Facebook, Becca said that her young daughter was highly upset.
She wrote: "Please, please, please, anyone finds a chihuahua he's mine a seagull has took him from my garden.
"Bottom of Maridon Road, Paignton. Have a really upset six-year-old missing her dog."
There are several recorded incidents of birds attacking small dogs - but dog lover Becca says she never expected something like this to happen to her.
In May 2015, another Devon pet owner watched in horror as her beloved chihuahua puppy was killed by a flock of seagulls.
Niki Wayne, 57, found the birds pecking tiny Bella to death after the pup pushed open a door and got out.
Mum-of-five Nikki, from Honiton, issued warnings to other residents to remain vigilant to prevent another attack.
She said she first noticed the seagulls perched on the roof, peering into the garden at the tiny dog and decided to seek advice.
Seagulls are carnivores and have been known to eat other birds. Some can grow to 2ft6in long, with a wingspan of more than 5ft and weigh as much as 5lb.
Have you suffered a seagull attack? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
