Norway’s animal rights organization NOAH was so shocked after a seagull was found literally glued to a sidewalk in Sortland in Northern Norway over the weekend that it’s offering a reward for tips leading to the arrest of those responsible. “We fear the case will just be shelved if we don’t get tips from the public,” said NOAH leader Siri Martinsen.
The seagull was found alive but with its wings glued to the pavement early Sunday morning. Martinsen called the abuse “absolutely horrible,” adding that it was “shocking that there are people who want to subject an animal to such suffering.” The seagull had to be killed, leaving the pavement soiled with its blood and feathers.
NOAH is thus offering a reward of NOK 10,000 (just over USD 1,000) for information that could lead to the culprits. Even though seagulls can be aggressive in the cities, especially now in nesting season, Martinsen said their habitats are under severe pressure nationwide. The gull population has declined markedly over the past 30 to 40 years, they’ve lost natural homes and food sources along the coast and in Norway’s archipelagos, and have been attacked by predators.
Many have therefore been drawn to the cities, where there’s more food to be found, but they often are chased away by people and wind up as targets of abuse. “Gulls are among those most often subjected to violence and illegal attacks,” Martinsen said.
newsinenglish.no staff
