The dangers netting can pose to wild birds has been highlighted after a gull became trapped and fatally injured in Cardiff.
The bird was trapped in netting on the Royal Mail's Cardiff mail centre on Penarth Road.
The RSPCA were contacted to rescue the bird with help from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service who used a hydraulic platform to reach the gull.
Although the bird was rescued, it was badly cut with wing sores and a fractured leg so it was put to sleep.
Sadly, netting on buildings can be fatal for wild birds, who can easily become trapped.
We feel this incident is another reminder about how important it is to monitor bird deterrent wire or netting on buildings, which can pose a troublesome obstacle for Wales' wild birds.
– FIONA THOMAS, RSPCA ANIMAL COLLECTION OFFICER
Each year around 2,000 reports are made to the RSPCA about wild birds trapped in or behind netting, many incidents involving bird-deterrent netting.
The RSPCA said that while netting can be an effective means of keeping birds off structures, it is vital that the nets are monitored properly.
They say if netting is not checked and maintained, there is a risk of trapped birds suffering and dying from injury or starvation.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said it was an 'unfortunate and rare incident' and thanked rescue services for their work.
Like many other businesses across the UK, Royal Mail uses netting to deter pigeons and other birds from roosting and perching on specific areas of our buildings.
We do this to prevent mail and other assets from being damaged by bird fouling.
– ROYAL MAIL SPOKESPERSON