Safe sex for seagulls? Why bird contraception plan in Worcester may not fly

Councillor has reportedly suggested using pills to control gulls, but experts say it may not be ethical or practical

Their brazen chip-snatching, swooping and aggressive squawking has earned seagulls a reputation as the scourge of seaside towns, terrorising unsuspecting tourists and enraging residents alike.

And as the marauding birds have ventured inland and established urban colonies, towns have deployed spikes, netting and even birds of prey as deterrents. Now Worcester city councillors appear to be contemplating a new escalation in the battle: bird contraceptives.