Animal Control: Report Injured Birds

NORTH WILDWOOD – “It’s been a very frustrating season,” Linda Gentille of Shore Animal Control (SAC) said Aug. 1.
As seagull fatalities continue to climb, staff members strive to save as many birds as they can during the summer. 
Why are the gulls more vulnerable in 2019? According to Gentille, a higher volume of traffic puts the birds in dangerous positions, especially if food is involved.
Gentille said many fatalities occur in parking lots near restaurants or supermarkets. Seagulls swoop down for food and are hit by passing cars. 
Gentille said the deaths are often “unintentional,” but on shore beaches, the injuries are sometimes intentional. Gentille said many vacationers view the gulls as “flying rats” and pests. However, those who call animal control and report injured birds are a blessing, according to Gentille. 
Statistics show that in 2018 two to three calls per week were received by SAC for injured seagulls during the summer. In 2019, 10-15 calls per week have been received for seagulls with broken wings and other injured birds. 
After a court case in 2017 in Sea Isle City that imposed a $250 fine for a man who killed a gull, SAC has seen a decline in injured gulls in that city.  
With the blessing comes additional responsibility. With an eight-member staff working seven days a week, rotations are imperative, said Gentille. Staff members respond to calls from SAC headquarters in Upper Township. 
Another problem for Gentille is the lack of rehabilitators in Cape May County. In order to rehabilitate seagulls, a person must be state licensed. 
When asked where the numbers of injuries are highest, Gentille said the Wildwoods are the primary location, followed by Lower Township. Wildwood rounds out the top for most calls involving seagulls and dogs. 
In a recent letter to North Wildwood City Clerk Scott Jett, Gentille wrote, “We (Shore Animal Control) have been responding to an increase in injured seagulls in all our shore towns, but primarily North Wildwood.” 
According to Gentille’s email, several injuries were intentional. She urged motorists to slow down while driving. 
Purposeful injury to a seagull carries a penalty of $250, according to state animal cruelty laws. However, media sources state “aggressive” seagulls have become problematic, especially in Ocean City, which has taken steps by utilizing falcons, hawks, and owls to deter seagulls from the Boardwalk (see related story elsewhere in today’s edition).
During an Aug. 6 North Wildwood City Council meeting, Jett read Gentille’s email, asking the public “to be aware” of seagulls.
Public thanks were given to Ocean View Veterinary Hospital and Cape May Veterinary Hospital; both organizations provide courtesy euthanasia and treatment free of charge to the city. 
Mayor Don Cabrera of Wildwood Crest also praised Ocean View Veterinary Hospital and SAC for their efforts. 
Described as a “bird-loving mayor,” Mayor Ernie Troiano of Wildwood supports the mission of SAC. 
Mayor Patrick Rosenello was also contacted for comment but none was given as of Aug. 11. 
What should be done to report an injured seagull?  
* Contact SAC at 1-800-351-1822. Menu options include reporting an injured animal.
* If possible, cover the bird with a towel. Gentille said this is possible if the gull is severely injured. Seagulls will try to avoid contact.
* Keep pets and others away from the bird. 
Gentille believes extra awareness and kindness will help stem the tide.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.