Contact your Local Media about a Cull of Gulls

Here is an example of a press release to be sent to your local newspaper. If you choose to use our example, please amend it to include the relevant information. Please get in touch if you would like us to send you the contact details of your local papers and radio station, etc. 

Local residents condemn [Name of Council/local group/school etc] plans to cull gulls as cruel and a waste of resources 

It has emerged that [Name of Council/ club or school] plans to cull gulls in the local area. Residents were horrified that the council has made such a cruel and short-sighted decision and [Number] people have signed a petition opposing the plan. 

Residents are concerned about the cruelty associated with culling. Shooting birds can never be entirely accurate, so wounded birds may be left to die in agony. Other methods, such as trapping and then bludgeoning the gulls to death, can also cause terrible suffering. Gulls generally mate with one partner for life, then work as a couple to find food, build a nest, and raise chicks. Killing one gull can affect the whole family. 

Most councils now understand that killing wildlife is cruel, ineffective and a waste of money. If there is a good source of food in an area and the environment remains attractive, more gulls will quickly replace those killed, leading to an endless cycle of culling and expense for councils. This also represents a waste of council tax revenue [if carried out by a council].  

There are many humane ways to deter gulls from an area, such as ensuring streets are kept clean and street bins are emptied or blocking access to regular breeding sites. 

The council has been sent resources outlining humane deterrents and has also been provided with the details of companies specialising in humane wildlife deterrence.  

[Add your own quote here, for example] 

Tips 

• If you have created a petition, you could put in the link and if you are planning an action or demonstration, you could also mention the details.  
• Remember to include your name and phone number.  

Letter to the Editor 

Another option is to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper (or even a national one). This can be useful if there is already an article about the cull in the paper, either opposing it or championing it. Your letter can refer to this earlier article or letter and either agree with it or challenge it. Letters to the editor are usually shorter.  

We have lots of tips on writing a letter to the editor in our “Get Active for Animals Guide” 

Below is an example of a letter to the editor. Please use this example as a guide and amend it to include the relevant information. 

Dear Letters Editor, 

I was shocked to see that [Name of council/school etc] is planning to cull gulls at [location]. All seven breeding gull species are listed as birds of conservation concern and, in a world where wildlife is rapidly declining, we should be taking measure to protect these birds and the other species that we share our planet with. 

Methods used to cull gulls are cruel and can inflict terrible suffering. Shooting birds can never be entirely accurate and wounded gulls may be left to die in agony.  

As well as being cruel, killing gulls does not work, so it is a waste of resources. If there is a good source of food in an area and the environment remains attractive, more gulls will quickly move into the area to replace those killed. 

I hope the council will reconsider its decision to cull the gulls and instead opt for non-lethal humane methods, such as blocking access to regular breeding sites. I urge other concerned residents to contact [Name of council/school etc] Thank you.  

[Your name] 

[Local Resident]