Bin there, done that.. ‘feisty’ gull freed

A gull had to be rescued from an industrial bin in Coatbridge by officers from the Scottish SPCA.

The bird had been stuck for three days before last week’s rescue after its feathers had become bogged down inside the deep and packed-full container.

An alert member of the public contacted the welfare charity, with dedicated animal rescue officers Dawn-Vale Juma and Kirsty Baird swiftly getting their hands dirty to ensure the feathered friend will soon be spreading its wings once again.

Dawn-Vale said:“We were notified by a passer-by who heard rustling from inside the bin and saw the gull in distress – the bird was unable to escape as its feathers had become matted and waterlogged with waste.

“We were able to reach the gull with the help of some ladders as the bin was very deep.

“The gull was clearly exhausted from struggling but very feisty, which was understandable given the circumstances.

“We retrieved the bird and it has now been sent to our national wildlife rescue centre for treatment – and a good wash.”

She added:“We are grateful to the member of the public who alerted us to the gull in difficulty and preventing any further distress or suffering to the bird.

“If anyone finds an animal in distress, they should contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Rescue The gull was stuck in a bin