A seagull had to be put down after it was seen being pulled by a man around Blackpool on a leash.
Lancashire Police were called to reports that a man was pulling a live seagull along the pavement with a rope around its neck on Bispham Road at about 8pm on Monday (April 10). Officers attended and the man, in his 50s, was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.
He was subsequently de-arrested and the police said the matter was still being investigated. Pictures and video clips of the incident went viral on social media with many users expressing their concern.
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The bird was taken by a member of the public to a local vet where they decided it had to be put down, LancsLive has reported.
The apparent cruelty towards the bird has been slammed by Brambles Wildlife Rescue and the RSPCA.
A spokesperson said: "A number of people contacted us about the image and video circulating on social media of an extremely vile person dragging a seagull on a lead at Bispham Roundabout in Blackpool and in another location on the pavement. 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 passer-by secured the gull off him. It was taken to a vet and was sadly put to sleep. We would add that it did look severely unwell and we cannot know if it could have recovered.
"Our lovely vet once said to us that she thought that people are often against seagulls because they are successful. This is sadly often the case with the human pecking order. Well we love seagulls here!"
The RSCPA described the incident as 'distressing' and 'totally inappropriate'.
A spokesperson 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."
A police spokesperson told LancsLive: "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."
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