Bravo Tim Ridgway (The Argus, September 17) – I would sign up to his seagull appreciation society.

I love seagulls – their beauty, whether posing aloft against the sky or soaring on the wing, and their awkwardness and amusing strutting on the ground, are indeed an integral part of Brighton and Hove.

But, like Tim, I am not convinced about us being a country of animal-lovers.

My impression is that many humans “like” animals only when they are suitably domesticated and present no possible threat to their comfort.

If they happen not to lend themselves to control and domestication but live alongside us – like seagulls, foxes and pigeons – they are called “pests” or “vermin” and any unintentional “nuisance” on their part calls forth outrage.

One thing about seagulls is that they are intelligent – they know when sloppy humans leave unwrapped food in plastic bags for days. They are good parents and will always try to protect their young.

Once we understand their ways, they are not difficult to live with.

I have had seagulls nesting on my roof for years. I feel privileged when one poses on my balcony and, as for their “noise”, I love hearing the sound of seagulls when I return to Brighton – it means I am home and, after 43 years of living in Brighton, I am never awakened by them. I am sometimes, though, by late-night revellers under my window.

So here’s a haiku in praise of the seagull: Foam-white breast, sweeping across the autumn sun, the sea in her cries.

Joyce Edmond-Smith, Bentham Road, Brighton

I am totally with Tim Ridgway regarding seagulls and would willingly join his seagull appreciation society.

They are beautiful birds and graceful in flight. They are cheeky as young, healthy birds and sit back and watch their young when they’re a bit older and not as energetic.

I’ve had the same family of gulls visit me for the past eight years and, yes, I do know they’re the same ones as one has a particular marking. They never swoop on me.

Seagulls are the sound of home to me. We allow visitors from all over the world to visit our country and even stay at the taxpayers’ cost.

At least this is their home. All they need is their own environment to live in. We have no right to want rid of them.

I think some people just like to moan about things. I bet it’s people who moan about seagulls who also moan about foxes, travellers and organised events.

Sharon Daye, by email

Tim Ridgway can count me in. I love seagulls. They are one of the most elegant and beautiful birds to watch. I could sit for ages on the seafront watching them glide down on the beach and waddle along.

They are spiritual birds and very fascinating. Occasionally I’ll give them crumbs to eat. I’m sure if people are nice to them they do no harm.

After all, we all share this planet and deserve to be respected, as do seagulls.

When I pass from this world and if I come back – you might’ve guessed – I want to come back as a seagull.

Sally Wood, Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak