Seagull flies off with cat in beak

A STUNNED grandmother looked on as a seagull swooped on her garden and lifted a terrified cat four feet off the ground.

Marion Clements, of Green Lane, Whitstable, says she almost choked on her tea when the bird picked the frightened feline up with its BEAK and attempted to fly away.

The 64-year old, who runs Marion Clements clothes shop in the town, ran into her garden to find the black and white cat shivering with fear.

She said: "It just stood there scared out of its wits. I went up to it but it ran off.

"I couldn't believe what had just happened. I've never seen anything like it in all my life.

"The poor cat was just minding its own business when the seagull swooped and grabbed the back of its neck with its beak.

"The bird must have got about four feet high before he dropped it.

"I ran outside because I wanted to get my two cats inside. They're both 15 and probably would have died if it had happened to them.

"My husband Barry would have gone mad. He'd shoot me before he'd shoot the cats."

Since the attack on Friday morning Marion has kept a close eye on treasured pets Abby and Nicky.

She said: "They're terrified now. When they go out in the garden they walk around the edge and hide behind the plants.

"I've got a broom at the ready just in case they try it on again."

Marion says she has had the seagulls nesting on her rood for the last two months.

She said: "They're an absolute nightmare.

"The noise is horrific and it starts about 4am everyday.

"It wasn't so bad at first but now they have babies and are really protective of them.

"I'm just worried that they'll attack again. I have my two grandchildren round every week and I won't let them sit in the garden just in case.

"I rang the council and they just said 'we don't do seagulls'.

"I couldn't believe it. They say they need to protect the birds but who's going to protect us?

"I've half a mind to go out in the garden with an air gun. That would soon sort them out."

City council spokesman Rob Davies said: "The council does not offer a service for the removal of seagulls.

"Anyone experiencing problems should contact a private pest control company."

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