Wildlife rescuers and fire and rescue teams in Eastbourne collaborated to free a seagull trapped on a chimney pot on Pashley Road on the evening of Tuesday, 15 April. The bird had become caught in a device fitted atop the chimney, intended to prevent birds from entering, but instead resulted in the seagull being "impaled" and unable to free itself.
East Sussex WRAS (Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service) duty rescuers were called to the scene shortly after receiving reports of the trapped seagull. Upon arrival, it became evident that the location of the bird on the chimney made it impossible for the WRAS team to reach it using their ladders. Consequently, they requested assistance from East Sussex Fire and Rescue, a service which nationally has responsibility for dealing with trapped animals.
A fire service vehicle was dispatched from Eastbourne, but after initial assessment, an aerial platform was called in to reach and safely bring down the bird from the chimney pot. The seagull was eventually brought to ground level and handed back to the WRAS team for assessment.
Trevor Weeks, founder of East Sussex WRAS, explained the condition of the bird following its rescue: “The bird's wing was significantly damaged and so the gull was taken to Vets Now Eastbourne for emergency treatment, but the injuries were too substantial to be fixed. Sadly, it had to be put down.” He also commented on the use of bird deterrent devices, saying: “There are plenty of devices which can be used to stop gulls nesting, but they are often not properly installed or maintained. We wish companies which put these deterrents in place ensured there was a maintenance contract to make sure they’re not becoming a hazard. Nine times out of ten, the problem is birds getting stuck in poorly maintained deterrents.”
East Sussex WRAS rescues over 700 gulls annually, highlighting the frequency of such incidents.
A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue provided further information about their involvement: “We were called on 15 April at 7.08pm to reports of a gull trapped in a chimney pot at a property on Pashley Road Eastbourne. An animal rescue charity was already on the scene and had asked for assistance. The aerial ladder platform was used to reach the bird. We ask that members of the public contact animal rescue charities first if you see an animal in distress as they are experts in handling animals.”
This incident demonstrates the cooperation between wildlife rescuers and emergency services in East Sussex to aid trapped animals in urban environments.
Source: Noah Wire Services