Scottish SPCA sees rise in avoidable admissions
The charity has had to treat squirrel kits after trees containing dreys were cut down.
The Scottish SPCA has appealed to the public to be careful around fox and squirrel habitats after the charity has seen a recent rise in avoidable admissions to its National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Despite red squirrels being a protected species in Scotland, making it an offence to intentionally cause them injury or destroy their drey, the centre has revealed that it has had to treat several squirrel kits who were made homeless in recent weeks after the trees containing their dreys were cut down.
The charity has also highlighted a recent case in which a dog entered a fox den and killed two cubs. Two other cubs survived the attack, but one of them was subsequently abandoned by its mother and needed to be taken to the centre.
Chris Hogsden, Scottish SPCA centre manager, said: “All of these animals are now in the care of our wildlife hospital and currently need round-the-clock care from our dedicated team, including being fed every two to three hours.
“This is before months of rehabilitation until they are old enough and strong enough to be released back in to the wild.
“Incidents like this are completely avoidable, and we are asking the public to be #WildlifeWise and help keep these animals in the wild where they belong.”
The Scottish SPCA’s ‘#WildlifeWise’ campaign asks the public to look after young wildlife and avoid causing unnecessary harm by following three key steps:
- Observe: Don’t get too close to young wildlife, as it could scare them and their parents and siblings, but watch from a safe distance
- Wait: If there’s no sign the animal is sick, injured, or threatened, don’t disturb it
- Act: If, after waiting, you’re worried the animal needs assistance, phone the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
