MORE than a dozen seagulls have fallen ill after becoming ‘drunk’ along the South West.

The RSPCA is concerned the birds have fallen ill after gaining access to waste products from a local brewery or alcohol producer and has received a number of call-outs over the past two weeks.

Incidents have occurred in Bridport, Lyme Regis and a number of locations across Devon.

The animal welfare charity said a few of the birds had died after falling ill but most of them have made a good recovery following treatment and been released.

RSPCA vet David Couper said: “The birds appear disoriented and confused and struggle to stand. We took some video of one of the birds who is staggering around and losing his balance just like a person would if they’d had too much to drink.”

The RPSCA is now urging local breweries, distilleries and alcohol producers to check that their waste is secure and cannot be accessed by wildlife or birds.

RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel said: “At first, the birds look like they have botulism (an illness caused by bacteria) but then, after vomiting, most seem to recover.

“The birds absolutely stink of alcohol when we collect them so now our vans smell like pubs!”

Animal collection officer Clara Scully added: ““These birds were clearly wearing their beer gog-gulls when they scavenged their meal for the day and they’ve really been suffering with hangovers after a gulls’ night out.”