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The fire service has been slammed for sending two fire engines and a crane to save the life of a seagull.

Avon Fire and Rescue dispatched the units following reports of an incident at a three-storey building in Bath city centre.

Crews arrived at around 5pm yesterday afternoon (June 28) in Kingsmead Square and discovered a seagull trapped on the roof of a building.

Despite their best efforts the seagull did not survive.

Some have raised concern over the amount of resources dedicated to this one incident, however.

Commenting on the Bath Live Facebook page, Martin Ramsey said: “What a waste of money. A 22 pelt could have done the job for a fraction of the price.”

While Sian Eleanor Brady said: “OMG are you serious? Wasting all this effort and time on a seagull?

Why?! Time doesn’t stop when they destroy the city or attack people.”

Catherine Mcevoy expressed similar concerns, saying: “What a waste of the services. Seagulls are vermin and we are so overrun by them. Next they will be giving it a burial.”

(Image: Max Baker)

Not everyone was so critical, however.

Alex Hyman said: “I don’t have a problem with this rescue; seagulls are animals too.



“The RSPCA and Fire Service were attempting to prevent the unnecessary suffering of the bird under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.”

(Image: Max Baker)

Avon Fire and Rescue has since clarified why it sent so many units down to the scene.

A spokeswoman said: “When the call came through originally the information we had was an incident at a three storey building.

“Two fire engines are required to attend an incident at a building of this size and once we were aware there was an animal stuck at the top of the building, that’s when the turntable ladder was also required.”

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