The message was hammered home at a series of animal and pet roadshows held in towns across the region - including Axminster and Seaton.

Animal experts are urging residents and visitors not to feed seagulls at East Devon’s resorts this summer.

It encourages them to congregate and become aggressive, they warn.

The message was hammered home at a series of animal and pet roadshows held in towns across the region - including Axminster and Seaton.

The events were organised by the district council’s housing tenants and estate management team to raise awareness of animal related health issues such as dog fouling and seagulls, as well as to provide free general health advice for pets.

Owners were able to get a free health check and guidance on animal care from a number of top animal welfare and care professionals who were involved with the roadshows, including The RSPCA, Cats Protection, Coombefield Veterinary Hospital, Axminster, Dogs Trust, The Cinnamon Trust, Mutts Butts, Dogs Day Out, Tiggywinkles and EDDC’s own dog wardens.

NBC Bird and Pest Solutions took along their birds of prey, including a barn owl, which are currently being used to deter seagulls on the seafront at Seaton. They highlighted how important it is for members of the public not to feed seagulls.

A council spokesman said: “We hope it will encourage visitors and residents alike to think about how they dispose of food waste, which attracts seagulls.”