A BIRD sanctuary co-owner has called Barrow a ‘hot-bed of wildlife cruelty’ after a seagull had to be put to sleep after it was viciously kicked last week.

Bardsea Bird Sanctuary confirmed the seagull, named Steven, had been brought in by Glasgow Street resident Hannah Barr, 31, after it had been kicked by an unknown assailant.

Sanctuary co-owner Elizabeth Ashleigh confirmed the bird died on Thursday after advice from a veterinarian.

She said: “I am utterly disgusted that a person would do this.

“People who insight these sort of actions normalise this behaviour for children.

“It’s instigating hatred.

“And if this sort of behaviour was involved in a religious case, you would see people put in prison.

“I condemn any violent behaviour towards animals.

"The incident happened in Barrow, which is a hot-bed of wildlife cruelty."

Ms Barr said: “The bird wasn’t bothering anyone and a man just walked up to it on Glasgow Street and I saw him kick it.

“I questioned him and he just gave me loads of verbal abuse.

"His actions were completely unprovoked.

“I immediately took the bird to the sanctuary where he stayed over night.

“I’ve since informed the police, who put me in touch with a specialist team.

"I've been told kicking a seagull like this is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981."

Pamela Hill, of Amphitrite Street, was attacked recently by a seagull flying into her kitchen, which she described like 'a horror movie'.

When quizzed about the recent seagull offence, she felt compassion for the bird, but stated her experience has left her feeling scared.

"After my incident, I'm now afraid of them," said Mrs Hill.

"I struggle walking to the shops in case the birds above attack me.

"But it's wrong to hit out at birds and I don't condone it.

"I see people running over birds all the time and it's dreadful."

If you see any violent behaviour towards birds, please call police on 101.