A GULL died after trapping its leg in bird deterrent netting in Rhyl.
RSPCA Cymru were contacted at 11am on Thursday, April 23 after the gull was seen in netting above Boots in the town centre.
Animal rescuer, RSPCA inspector Andrew Broadbent, attended but the bird had to be put to sleep because of the severity of its injuries, which included a badly broken leg.
The charity is raising awareness about the dangers netting can pose to wild birds and say the distressing incident is a reminder of how important it is to maintain and monitor bird-deterrent netting.
The distressing incident left the gull with a broken leg. Pictures: RSPCA Cymru
A spokesperson for RSPCA Cymru said: "Each year around 2,000 reports are made to the RSPCA about wild birds trapped in or behind netting. A major cause is bird-deterrent netting.
“Problems arise when netting is put up incorrectly or becomes damaged, leaving gaps where birds can enter and become trapped.
"These birds can suffer a long and painful death from injury or starvation.
"Unfortunately bird-deterrent netting is often fixed in high or hard-to-reach areas, making the rescue of trapped animals difficult and dangerous.
“If you have seen dead birds in netting, or where you are aware of a regular issue of birds becoming trapped in netting, the RSPCA would be grateful if you could please forward the address, property owner (if known) and date of the incident to wildlife@rspca.org.uk.
"We will then write to the owner with advice and guidance about resolving the issue."
Anyone who sees a live animal entangled in or trapped behind netting should contact the RSPCA’s cruelty and advice helpline on 0300 1234 999.
The RSPCA continues to provide care to thousands of animals across England and Wales and is expecting even more to come into its care in the coming weeks as its rescue teams bring in more animals in need.
Alongside this, the charity is also facing a huge financial strain as it is already seeing the damaging effect of this crisis on its fundraising income, while the costs of saving, treating and caring for animals continue.
To help the RSPCA, donate whatever you can spare at rspca.org.uk/covid
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