Experts have warned that gulls are being "demonised" in Britain, after reports emerged of roughly 350 attacks on the birds, including incidents in which gulls have been shot, run over by cars and thrown from roofs. The claims point to a growing pattern of deliberate violence against a species that is often viewed as a nuisance in coastal and urban areas, raising concerns among wildlife specialists about public attitudes and animal welfare.

The reported attacks reflect long-running tensions between gulls and residents in towns where the birds are known to steal food, make noise and gather in large numbers. Experts cited in the report argue that hostility towards gulls has intensified public tolerance of harming them, despite the fact that several UK gull species hold protected status under wildlife law.