Blind widow Irene Malone said she has been imprisoned in her home by vicious seagulls.
The 78-year-old, who can't leave the house without the help of guide dog Breeze, said she has been trapped by aggressive birds nesting on her roof.
Two large adult herring gulls, which are protected so can't be removed, are caring for young chicks atop her Whitley Bay bungalow.
But when Irene tries to leave the house with her beloved black Labrador, the razor-beaked gulls swoop and claw at the frightened pooch.
Terrified Irene said: "I'm completely blind, I can't even see light and dark so having these two birds flying around my head screeching was the most frightening thing that has ever happened to me.
"I've had to send the dog to stay with a friend because he can't leave the house without being attacked.
"It means I'm effectively imprisoned in my own home, I can't leave without help until the birds do."
Irene has contacted various agencies to see if the herring gulls can be removed but, as they're protected, there's nothing that can be done.
"There is plenty of protection for them but none for us", Irene said.
"I've been told that it could be several weeks until the chicks are old enough to leave so I'll have to be without my dog until then.
"For me, having a dog is the difference between living and just existing.
"I'm very upset and emotional about the situation and it's lonely without my dog."
Irene is desperate for help as she's facing weeks being practically housebound.
According to the RSPB, herring gulls are designated as being on the 'red' conservation list.
That means the species is "globally threatened" and is given the "highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action".
