I’m calling for businesses to remove cruel bird netting in South Shields town centre

Anna Malia is warning that those who use the favoured hindrance methods risk inflicting unnecessary cruelty on birds looking for a safe place to land.

She claims “carnage” can be caused to birds and that most business bosses fail to inspect their netting once installed.

The animal welfare expert says alternative deterrents are available to companies that want to take a more humane approach to keeping their premises bird-free.

These include laying fire gel, a large tablet-sized sensory stimulant that can make a habitat appear unwelcoming.

Anna, founder of borough-based North East Animal Rights, says some have already heeded the warning and removed nets and spikes – but more work to educate was needed.

She said: “No one likes being pooped on when they come out of a shop, but I have been present at many netting rescues and it really is very distressing for the birds.

“Some businesses put very expensive and very cruel 'solutions' in place to stop birds nesting or resting. The main two we see here are spikes and netting.

“I and other wildlife rescuers see so many awful cases of birds injured, maimed, trapped and killed by these so-called remedies.”

She added: “If a business must install them – even in a coastal place like South Tyneside – you would hope they would inspect, maintain and repair where necessary. But in my experience, the majority don't.

“But we are having successes and slowly but surely the public is becoming more and more aware of the carnage netting causes.”

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Anna also warned that businesses risk breaking wildlife laws, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006, by trapping birds in nets.

The Act places a duty of care on people to ensure they take reasonable steps to meet welfare requirements.

Her organisation also has an agreement with the Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service, which comes to its aid in complex cases.

She added: “This can include when there is a need for specialist equipment or at height.

“We do attract some criticism for using fire services in this way, but they always prioritise human incidents.

“The criticism would be better directed to those who cause the problem in the first place.

“One memorable rescue was in South Shields, where unmaintained netting meant pigeon parents were able to nest behind the netting and their fledgling became trapped upside down in the netting.

“They were desperately trying to free their baby. Luckily, the bird was spotted and after a complex rescue, the bird was saved.

“However, they were injured, which meant they needed to be taken for help and they never saw each other again.”

Several other animal welfare organisations are working with North East Animal Rights to restrict the use of netting.

You can keep up to date with North East Animal Rights by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/northeastanimalrights/.

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