An Ayr pet shop has issued a stark warning to customers asking them to stop feeding wild birds to halt the spread of killer avian flu.
Petcayr By T & G Hutchison Pet Supplies are passing on advice to regulars who are known for feeding birds in their gardens.
Bird feed is normally a top seller for the North Harbour shop — but they are asking customers to think twice before buying it.
Owner Catherine Hutchinson and business partner Steven Maddison have been doing their bit inform residents.
They are worried that bird feeders are encouraging wild birds to gather — leading to the spread of the deadly virus.
And bosses admit the shop are "shooting themselves in the foot" by deliberately putting customers off products as they take the responsible approach.
Catherine told Ayrshire Live: "Some of our elderly customers love to feed their birds in their garden but the last thing we want is for them to find a birdy has died and think it is their fault.
"We've already had folk saying they have found dead finches in their garden.
"We can't have that, so we are asking them to take better care with their bird tables and if they can refrain from feeding them.
"We are shooting ourselves in the foot here but we are being the responsible.
"We are just saying to customers to watch what you are doing and make sure tables are really clean.
"They also need to be careful with their cats and dogs to make sure they are protected too and they don't go near any dead or sick birds in the garden."
Customers who are continuing to feed birds have been told of hygienic ways to stop the spread of the killer strain.
Catherine has stocked up on a disinfectant that can stop avian flu in its tracks — with a limited stock now available.
It comes as council chiefs confirmed they collected 500 dead birds from South Ayrshire beaches.
Crews were called out to deal with carcasses littered across beaches in Ayr, Prestwick and in the Troon area.
Catherine added: "It is shocking to know so many birds have died in the area.
"It is so important everyone follows the advice being put out by the council and DEFRA.
"We might not be able to protect sea birds, but we can encourage people not to allow birds to congregate in their garden and try stop the spread."
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