Target: Penny Nelson, New Zealand Department of Conservation Director-General
Goal: Ensure legal consequences for the individual accused of mistreating a seagull in a viral TikTok video.
In a recent disturbing TikTok video, a man aboard a fishing vessel is apparently seen gripping a struggling seagull, a protected species in New Zealand, by its neck. The seagull, identified as a red-billed gull or tarāpunga, desperately flaps to free itself. Meanwhile, the man allegedly threatens to break its neck, amidst the laughter of onlookers. This allegedly egregious behavior, captured for entertainment, has garnered over 300,000 views, disturbingly met with amusement by many.
Further distressing is the context of the video, with the caption suggesting violence against the bird as a form of stress relief. The man’s allegedly callous disregard for the creature’s wellbeing starkly contrasts with the conservation efforts to protect these declining species. Red-billed gulls, now fewer than 100,000 in number, face a significant decline over the next three decades. This incident, therefore, is not just a singular act of cruelty but a blow to conservation efforts.
Given the seagull’s protected status under New Zealand’s Wildlife Act 1953, this case mustn’t be overlooked. The Department of Conservation (DoC) must investigate and ensure that those responsible face legal repercussions. Such alleged actions can’t be trivialized as mere jokes; they reflect a dangerous attitude towards protected wildlife. A strong message must be sent – cruelty towards native species is a serious offense and will be treated as such. Take action now.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Penny Nelson,
We are writing to express our shock and demand action regarding the recent viral TikTok video. In it, a man is allegedly seen handling a red-billed gull, a protected species, in a disturbingly cruel manner. This act, witnessed by thousands, has raised serious concerns about attitudes towards native wildlife conservation in New Zealand.
The man’s alleged actions, which include threatening the bird and holding it by the neck, not only violate the Wildlife Act 1953 but also undermine conservation efforts. This species is at risk, with numbers dwindling alarmingly. This alleged incident mustn’t be dismissed as mere online content. Instead, it should be recognized as a significant violation of wildlife protection laws.
We urge you to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that the individual reportedly responsible faces appropriate legal consequences. It’s vital to demonstrate that New Zealand takes its commitment to wildlife conservation seriously and will not tolerate such acts of cruelty. We hope to see swift and decisive action in response to this incident.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Murat IŞIK
Please investigate this appalling incident and lay charges against the perpetrator of such violent assault on a living and protected creature. Social media is a very powerful tool and an equally strong message must be sent to counter this sadistic form of “entertainment”.