What is wrong with people?

We humans are lucky enough to share this beautiful planet of ours with a huge variety of different species of animal, both domesticated and wild, all of them simply trying to get on with living their lives.

Why is it then that certain members of our society cannot respect and admire the beauty of other species and enjoy them for their complexity and diversity?

For example, what is more evocative of days at the seaside than the cry of seagulls? Before I was lucky enough to live by the coast, on hearing seagulls, I would be instantly transported back to happy days spent on the beach on holiday.

Instead of counting their blessings that they live in such a glorious place, someone decided to shoot two adult seagulls through the head, leaving their distressed offspring bewildered and starving by the decaying bodies of their parents. Luckily, the two babies were eventually rescued and brought to Grove Lodge, to be hand reared at a specialist centre and eventually released back into the wild.

Did you know that seagulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981? This makes it illegal intentionally to injure or kill any gull or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents (ref: RSPB website). Under current legislation, noise or damage to property are not legitimate reasons to kill or remove gulls. Removal of gulls and/or their young can only be carried out by a licenced company. If you are in any doubt, please call Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service for advice.

Another example of the depravity of people is the story of Dave the tabby cat. Dave was shot by a maniac with a crossbow – the bolt of which passed straight through his tiny body. Miraculously, he survived due to the fact that the bolt was blunt and pushed his vital organs aside on its way through rather than piercing them. The person who did this is a danger to society, let alone defenceless animals.

Come on everyone, enjoy your fellow inhabitants of planet earth today. Why not put out a bird table and watch who comes to visit? Check out the RSPB website for safe ideas for feeding – no toast or cake please! Spy on Tibbles the cat from next door as he prowls through the long grass pretending to be a tiger! Marvel at the graceful swoop of the seagulls as they effortlessly soar through the sky. Take your dog for a lovely walk on the Downs and admire the spectacular views – all this can be yours for free!! Even on an evening stroll round the block you could catch a glimpse of Mr Fox on his evening ramble.

In the current economic climate, we all need to save money – every one of these simple pleasures cost nothing at all and can bring a smile to your face just by looking out of your window – I saw a fox asleep in the sun in my back garden the other day while I was washing the dishes! Respect and enjoy our fellow creatures – they are only living their lives, just like us.

(And if the seagulls poop on your car, you can burn off some calories whilst giving it a good wash – you see, there is a positive side to everything!)