A HERRING gull has died after being shot by an air gun.

The animal welfare charity was contacted after a member of the public saw the gull fall from a rooftop in the Frederick Street area of Rhyl.

Unfortunately, the bird had a badly injured and blood-splattered wing, and an X-ray at a veterinary practice found three air gun pellets.

The gull's injuries were so severe that vets decided the kindest option was to put the bird to sleep to prevent him further suffering.

Mike Pugh, RSPCA inspector, said: "This poor gull was in a horrible mess - with a bloody wing; and X-rays found he had been shot with three air gun pellets. Sadly, the bird was so badly injured that there was no choice but to put the bird to sleep.

"We are now appealing for information to the people of Rhyl, after this bird was found in the Frederick Street area."

The incident happened on June 10.

Mr Pugh added: "Intentionally shooting at a gull is very likely to constitute an offence, unless done under licence - and we're reminding the person who undertook this barbaric act that they could be prosecuted.

"As communities rally around one another during these unprecedented times, it's depressing to think someone has spent their time taking pot shots at an innocent gull.

"Herring gulls are also very misunderstood - and are actually a species of conservation concern in the UK. Evidence indicates that overall herring gull populations are actually in decline."

Anyone who saw anything on or around June 10 is urged to get in touch with the inspectorate appeal line available on 0300 123 8018.

More information about gulls and the laws that protect them is available on the RSPCA’s website.