Should you feed seagulls?

Most animal protection charities - including the RSPCA and RSPB - are advising Britain's beachgoers and citizens not to feed the seagulls because the birds tend to become more aggressive when they are continuously fed.

Copyright: Dwayne Hards.

Feeding seagulls can result in them becoming a nuisance to the area where they are being fed. Seagulls may also become aggressive if they are fed too often. However, if you still want to feed the birds, you should not feed them bread under any circumstances because the food may get stuck in their throats, causing them to choke.

Seagulls should not be fed in neighbourhoods, gardens, or residential areas because they can become a nuisance to the area where they are being fed, meaning you may have some unhappy residents when the birds are causing problems outside of their homes.

In most UK counties, it is not a specific offence to feed the seagulls; however, if excessive amounts of food waste pile up or serious environmental issues are caused by people feeding the birds, then offenders can be fined or prosecuted under several environmental protection and antisocial behaviour laws, including littering.

Arun District Council are asking the residents of Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, and Arundel not to feed the seagulls amid the risk of them causing a nuisance. The council are asking residents to calmly talk to their neighbours who feed the seagulls, explaining the risks of doing so and how they feel about the issue.

It is a criminal offence to remove or disturb any wild birds' nests without a licence as the animals are protected under the UK's Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Criminal sanctions for breaking this law may result in six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.