Red or Grey, what a cruel death. I would smash the trap up so it could not be used again. The traps are supposed to be humane. I have ripped out many a snare , traps etc and disposed of them. One had even caught a cat . The evil scum.
This is so sad. Any animal, regardless of weather it is endangered or otherwise, dosnt deserve to die this way.
Once the Police (or should i say 'IF' they can be bothered) find who did this, perhaps they might wrap the cage round their neck/s. I'm guessing the local vile gamekeeper, doing the dirty work of the wealthy, entitled landowner.
Another horrible needless death of a beautiful creature. Mindless heartless morons. Ffs, grow a heart, leave our beautiful animals alone, especially if you dont bother to check for bloody days. Too busy stuffing your faces with food, booze, drugs or just too f...g idle or heartless???
Red or grey, no squirrels should die in a trap like that. It’s cruel, barbaric, sociopathic behaviour to trap any creature and leave them to die. How could anyone do that? It’s not the grey squirrels fault they exist, it’s mankind’s interference with nature. All birds and squirrels are welcome in my garden, I make sure I have lots of different types of feeders so that every creature in my garden gets a chance. What the hell is wrong with people?
The only time I have seen red squirrels was in Scotland and they do look better than the grey, but as usual it's the "SICK" human race that will not leave "RED/GREY/ WILDLIFE in GENERAL" alone, now does that not "SURPRISE" you, why is it that "HUMANS" cannot, for some reason, get on with life and leave "NATURES" "WILDLIFE" alone, what "RIGHT" do we "HUMANS" have to decide what "WILDLIFE" has to be "KILLED/MURDERED" and what to be left alone (IF ANY), welcome to the "HUMAN RACE", does it not make you feel "ASHAMED" to be "HUMAN", "ALL ANIMAL SPECIOUS LOVER"
Only 2% of red squirrel deaths are caused by the pox - 9% are caused by domestic animals and around 42% by traffic
1. The current red squirrel population in the UK is not ‘native’; red squirrels were extinct in the UK already in 18th century (greys were introduced to the UK in the middle of 19th century) due to habitat loss. It was similar in Ireland [Ritchie 1920, Gurnell 1987, Harris et al. 2006]. The current population (as confirmed also by DNA studies) are descendants of red squirrels introduced from the continent (mainly from Scandinavia) at the end of 18th century [Hale et al. 2004, Ballingall et al. 2016].
Complete extinction of red squirrels due to habitat loss also happened in Portugal (even though they were present in the nearby Spain all the time) already in 16th century [da Luz Mathias, M. & Gurnell, J. 1998]. In 20th century, habitats in Portugal were restored and the red squirrel population returned to Portugal naturally, migrating from Spain [Rocha et al. 2014].
2. Since the current population of reds in the UK and Eire are descendants of just a few squirrels introduced in 18th century from Scandanavia, that population has the weakest genetic pool in Europe [Ballingall et al. 2016] and because of that, even 48% of unnatural deaths are caused by "civilisation diseases" [Simpson et al. 2013]. (Road accidents account for 42% of unnatural deaths of red squirrels in the UK. Death as the result of attack by domestic pets are 9% of unnatural deaths). Squirrel pox accounts for only 2% of red squirrel deaths in the UK [Simpson et al., ‘Causes of mortality and pathological lesions observed post-mortem in res squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in Great Britain’, BMC Veterinary Research, 2013.]
The first hypothesis about the possibility of transmitting pox to red squirrels by grey squirrels was suggested by the same scientist who at the same time observed that in 10 of 14 counties where red squirrels had pox there were no grey squirrels present (Middleton, 1930).
3. The current population of red squirrels in the UK, before their introduction to the UK, evolved for thousands of years in favourable Scandinavian coniferous habitats made up mostly from Norway spruce. At the moment, not only does the UK have 3 times less forests than the European average, but also due to economic reasons the main trees planted for over 60 years are unsuitable to sustain the growth of red squirrel population (and according to Forestry Commission it won’t change for the next 25 years)[Harris et al. 2006]. It’s enough to say that "the most popular tree" planted in the UK for over 40 years is American Sitka spruce, incapable of sustaining a viable red squirrel population bigger than 1 squirrel per 5-7 hectares. Most trees planted after WWII are trees that resemble the natural habitat of grey squirrels in America (chestnut, oak) [Koprowski 1994].
4. After 46 years of red squirrel cull in the UK their situation was so tragic that they had to be re-introduced in many places in the UK (in 80% of these areas grey squirrels were not present yet). The reds' population in the UK was so weak that their re-introduction in those areas were based mostly on (a few) individuals brought from the continent [Shorten1954]. When no more profit could be made from killing reds in the UK, their place (also in the propaganda) was taken by grey squirrels that were successful in changing (broadleaved) habitats in the UK at the time [Bryant 2014]. The animal introduced by members of royalty in over 30 places in the UK and so far called "noble" (it was one of the most precious gifts among the UK nobility at the time), suddenly became "the pest", inheriting from red squirrels all the myths told about them so far [Signorile et al. 2016].
5. The scientific research shows minimal competition for food and habitat between European red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). The same research shows that significant variability of reproduction – observed in different years – which occurs naturally within red squirrel populations living in areas with no grey squirrels (Wauters & Lens 1995, Wauters et al. 2000, Gurnell et al. 2004) can also occur among red squirrels inhabiting the same area with grey squirrels (data from Wauters & Lens 1995, Wauters et al. 2000, Gurnell et al. 2004). It is also well known that small and fragmented habitats are very unfavourable for sustaining a red squirrel population (Verboom & van Apeldoorn 1990, Gurnell & Pepper 1991, Rodriguez & Andren 1999, Flaherty et al. 2012). The same research shows that significant variability of reproduction – observed in different years – which occurs naturally within red squirrel populations living in areas with no grey squirrels (Wauters & Lens 1995, Wauters et al. 2000, Gurnell et al. 2004) can also occur among red squirrels inhabiting the same area with grey squirrels (data from Wauters & Lens 1995, Wauters et al. 2000, Gurnell et al. 2004). It is also well known that small and fragmented habitats are very unfavourable for sustaining a red squirrel population (Verboom & van Apeldoorn 1990, Gurnell & Pepper 1991, Rodriguez & Andren 1999, Flaherty et al. 2012).
Many thanks Stephen for that information. It mirrors our own page on squirrels here at Protect the Wild from which the quotes Eliza used in this post were derived - https://protectthewild.org.uk/wildlife/mammals/squirrel-facts/ - the narrative used to demonise Grey Squirrels as the 'killers' of Reds has parallels in the narrative that foxes must be eradicated to 'protect' ground-nesting birds - by which shooting estates mean pheasants, partridges, and grouse - the stories about wildlife here in the UK are never as straightforward as the shooting, farming, forestry, and agriculture industries would have some of us believe. Thanks again.
the grey squirrel is scapegoated, they are less responsible for the demise of the red than humans or domestic animals. They are better problem solvers and in my view it is completely wrong to target them. The red is no longer native - all the current reds in the UK come from a very shallow gene pool reintroduced from Scandanavia. It is long overdue that the greys are accepted as part of our wildlife
Welcome. we love squirrels, the greys are scapegoated - reds were wiped out by humans 3 times before the greys ever came to the UK, each time they were reintroduced from Scandanavia, as I explain above. Most of the woodland in the UK now favours the greys. Humans are the problem, not the grey squirrels, they are just a convenient excuse for humans who do not want to admit their responsibility
De(ath)fra should read your knowledgeable information instead of listening to landowner blood sports idiots - but, deaf ears because then they are the the same people aren't they? People like you should not be gagged, your information should be out there to challenge the false narratives presented by heavily biased 'scientists' used to present judgemental and wrong information, - because it suits some, but not the majority of us!
Just joined: no brain. No one with a heart & some spare cash should pass by the horrid image of the poor little squirrel. So beautiful when alive reduced to carrion
Sorry just couldnt have walked past this without taking that poor little sqiurrel and that monsterous trap given it a proper dignified burial and squashed that trap and left it where the toe rag that set seen it squashed or id have waited and thru the trap at them along with a mouthful that would shame a docker thats the only language these scum understand 😡😡😡😡😡
I completely agree with you! I adore grey squirrels and my family feed them by putting out nuts for them to collect. We are the ones to blame for this and we should put it right the humane way!! Why not tranquilize the grey squirrels, neuter/spay them, microchip or harmlessly tag and then release them like how TNR procedures for stray and feral cats and dogs work? A harmless, humane and effective way to reduce the population without killing which is never needed!! I just wish that I could go out and relocate all the grey squirrels and wild animals to somewhere where they would be safe. Wasn't Scotland meant to be banning all snares or is this SSE snare trapping an "exception" and is still going to continue as a loophole the same as the loophole being used in so called "trial hunting" is?!
Hi Cara. The Scottish government have confirmed they will ban snares (and glue traps) via the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill but there is no sign of cage traps being banned and they are widely used across the country. Like the rest of the UK, Grey Squirrels don’t receive any formal protection in Scotland other than through animal welfare legislation which bans 'uneccessary suffering'.
Thank you Charlie Moores for replying to my comment and for explaining/confirming that for me. Although I am glad that Scotland have confirmed that they will finally ban snares and glue traps, cage traps still seem like a loophole to me as cage traps are still indiscriminative and can still cause unimaginable suffering of starvation and dehydration for any animal unlucky enough to be caught in them (like the poor red squirrel in this post), the same as what snares do. Plus, how can they say they "kill them humanly" as is there truly any way to call killing a perfectly healthy and fit being who doesn't want to die humane? I just don't understand why grey squirrels are so sadly persecuted everywhere in the UK when they deserve just as much respect, admiration and rights to live as the red squirrels do. Killing is never an answer. Please keep going Charlie Moores and Protect the Wild, you have my full support all the way!
I used to live in Bonnyrigg which is a few miles outside of Edinburgh. We usdd to take our 3 rescue greyhounds for some very long walks around midlothian. On our walks we'd come across the remains of deers, hoofs sawn off, heads discarded. There's a lot of illegal dog racing going on in the area & around Edinburgh, Glasgow etc. We encountered a lot of pheasant feeders, snares, badgers sets where someone had clearly attempted to dig them out. There was a lot of illegal rifles & crossbows also being used to hunt animals. I lived there for four years & my opinion of the people that lived there was they had it tough & animals were a simple means to make money & to eat. They weren't worried if an animal suffered, a neighbour a few doors down kept his 3 greyhounds in a shed & used them solely to win himself money in these illegal dog races, where dogs were strayed, beaten, given drugs then simply dumped on the streets if they weren't any good. That's where our 3 greyhounds came from, rescue dogs dumped on the streets to fend for themselves. I reported the neighbour after I'd moved back down to Bristol.
I can’t stand reading any more about how many animals are constantly illegally hunted, traumatised, killed and exploited by entitled sociopaths who think it’s ok to trespass around the country leaving destruction and desolation in their wake, without being accountable for their actions. I have just signed up to be a monthly subscriber. It isn’t much but I hope it will help protect the brave volunteers who put themselves in the field to try to expose the illegal activities and save as many animals as they are able to. I worry about them too. I wish you all the very best. Thank you for all that you do. ❤️
I can’t do anything to help apart from this. Thank you for providing me with a way to actually do some good in this world, vicariously through all you brave people there. It sounds like I was virtue signalling, but I was just so angry and in despair about all that unnecessary cruelty, that I was trying to spur another person to sign up as a monthly subscriber who might have been reading. Thank you for all that you do.
Hi again Helen. Can I just say that categorically you weren't 'virtue signalling'. We all feel desperate and we all feel that 'we don't do enough' (I've interviewed Chris Packham several times in the past, and even he thinks he doesn't do enough!). What's important is that we do what we can - and that's never too small or unimportant, because the fact is that while we may not feel important or influntial on our own, we have a community here that standing together can do a lot - and certatinly far more than most of us - me included - can do on our own. I'm a firm believer that combined we have a heck of a voice and every single action we take might (as you suggested) inspire someone else. So thank you again and all the best.
Hi Charlie. Could someone from PTW please add the name to 'causes for donations' to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/panel/?utm_source=adobecampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mothersdaygiveaway-2020&utm_content=wup-2019&origin=SE179# I use this site and my chosen cause is for sabs. It costs me nothing to gradually build up a donation, it just happens as I shop! I have removed all short cuts to shop at Amazon, E-bay, Tesco, JustEat, B&Q, etc, etc and now have just a shortcut to 'Easy Fundraising to access these sites. The donations are small but do build up and every time a shopper achieves £15, their cause benefits. You have lots of followers, probably lots of shopping goes on! I personally do not shop much, but when I do, pennies go 'in the pot'! I have persuaded others to use this, even those not usually donating but as it is free, they get the point! If you do this, please let us all know so we can select you as 'our cause'! Thank you.
I am completely the same Helen. I can't comment and I can barely even read many of the posts because I would be too tempted to swear and use language I shouldn't and literally because I can't bear to hear/read about yet another poor soul being killed again. I just want all this to end, the same as you, the brave hunt sabs, everyone else here and protect the wild do too. Bless you as well for catering for all wildlife in your garden too! Why can't everyone just be like us?
Bless you for caring too, Cara, and for all that you do to help wildlife and animals. It’s awful to know you feel so incensed and wretched, but it also strangely helps knowing there are other good people in this world who really give a damn, and care as passionately as we all do here. Some days I can read the posts all the way through, some days I have to stop, it’s too much, I just can’t bear to think of animals suffering. I really restrain myself with written comments too, using as much control as I can not to really say what I think about hunters and people who are cruel to animals. While I type I am sweating like a mad thing. 🤬 Thank you for helping restore my faith in mankind, Cara.
Thank you too Helen for helping to restore my faith in humans too. I completely agree with all that you are saying. You are a person after my own heart as I am the exact same. I just wish that everyone was like us, then there wouldn't be any unimaginable cruelty and murder of innocent animals anywhere. Bless you and thank you for all you do to help animals as well Helen.❤️
Red or Grey, what a cruel death. I would smash the trap up so it could not be used again. The traps are supposed to be humane. I have ripped out many a snare , traps etc and disposed of them. One had even caught a cat . The evil scum.
So sick of stupid people in this world!!!
Rest in peace little one. P.s find the jerk that set the trap and lock that person up and see how they like it.
Just awful. All traps and snares need to be banned. Anyone owning a trap should be given a chance to relinquish it or be prosecuted.
Or shut in it!
This is so sad. Any animal, regardless of weather it is endangered or otherwise, dosnt deserve to die this way.
Once the Police (or should i say 'IF' they can be bothered) find who did this, perhaps they might wrap the cage round their neck/s. I'm guessing the local vile gamekeeper, doing the dirty work of the wealthy, entitled landowner.
Another horrible needless death of a beautiful creature. Mindless heartless morons. Ffs, grow a heart, leave our beautiful animals alone, especially if you dont bother to check for bloody days. Too busy stuffing your faces with food, booze, drugs or just too f...g idle or heartless???
Tragically humans are the only true vermin on the planet . We decimated one animal and then blamed another for our crime .
Totally agree.
Red or grey, no squirrels should die in a trap like that. It’s cruel, barbaric, sociopathic behaviour to trap any creature and leave them to die. How could anyone do that? It’s not the grey squirrels fault they exist, it’s mankind’s interference with nature. All birds and squirrels are welcome in my garden, I make sure I have lots of different types of feeders so that every creature in my garden gets a chance. What the hell is wrong with people?
The only time I have seen red squirrels was in Scotland and they do look better than the grey, but as usual it's the "SICK" human race that will not leave "RED/GREY/ WILDLIFE in GENERAL" alone, now does that not "SURPRISE" you, why is it that "HUMANS" cannot, for some reason, get on with life and leave "NATURES" "WILDLIFE" alone, what "RIGHT" do we "HUMANS" have to decide what "WILDLIFE" has to be "KILLED/MURDERED" and what to be left alone (IF ANY), welcome to the "HUMAN RACE", does it not make you feel "ASHAMED" to be "HUMAN", "ALL ANIMAL SPECIOUS LOVER"
Only 2% of red squirrel deaths are caused by the pox - 9% are caused by domestic animals and around 42% by traffic
1. The current red squirrel population in the UK is not ‘native’; red squirrels were extinct in the UK already in 18th century (greys were introduced to the UK in the middle of 19th century) due to habitat loss. It was similar in Ireland [Ritchie 1920, Gurnell 1987, Harris et al. 2006]. The current population (as confirmed also by DNA studies) are descendants of red squirrels introduced from the continent (mainly from Scandinavia) at the end of 18th century [Hale et al. 2004, Ballingall et al. 2016].
Complete extinction of red squirrels due to habitat loss also happened in Portugal (even though they were present in the nearby Spain all the time) already in 16th century [da Luz Mathias, M. & Gurnell, J. 1998]. In 20th century, habitats in Portugal were restored and the red squirrel population returned to Portugal naturally, migrating from Spain [Rocha et al. 2014].
2. Since the current population of reds in the UK and Eire are descendants of just a few squirrels introduced in 18th century from Scandanavia, that population has the weakest genetic pool in Europe [Ballingall et al. 2016] and because of that, even 48% of unnatural deaths are caused by "civilisation diseases" [Simpson et al. 2013]. (Road accidents account for 42% of unnatural deaths of red squirrels in the UK. Death as the result of attack by domestic pets are 9% of unnatural deaths). Squirrel pox accounts for only 2% of red squirrel deaths in the UK [Simpson et al., ‘Causes of mortality and pathological lesions observed post-mortem in res squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in Great Britain’, BMC Veterinary Research, 2013.]
The first hypothesis about the possibility of transmitting pox to red squirrels by grey squirrels was suggested by the same scientist who at the same time observed that in 10 of 14 counties where red squirrels had pox there were no grey squirrels present (Middleton, 1930).
3. The current population of red squirrels in the UK, before their introduction to the UK, evolved for thousands of years in favourable Scandinavian coniferous habitats made up mostly from Norway spruce. At the moment, not only does the UK have 3 times less forests than the European average, but also due to economic reasons the main trees planted for over 60 years are unsuitable to sustain the growth of red squirrel population (and according to Forestry Commission it won’t change for the next 25 years)[Harris et al. 2006]. It’s enough to say that "the most popular tree" planted in the UK for over 40 years is American Sitka spruce, incapable of sustaining a viable red squirrel population bigger than 1 squirrel per 5-7 hectares. Most trees planted after WWII are trees that resemble the natural habitat of grey squirrels in America (chestnut, oak) [Koprowski 1994].
4. After 46 years of red squirrel cull in the UK their situation was so tragic that they had to be re-introduced in many places in the UK (in 80% of these areas grey squirrels were not present yet). The reds' population in the UK was so weak that their re-introduction in those areas were based mostly on (a few) individuals brought from the continent [Shorten1954]. When no more profit could be made from killing reds in the UK, their place (also in the propaganda) was taken by grey squirrels that were successful in changing (broadleaved) habitats in the UK at the time [Bryant 2014]. The animal introduced by members of royalty in over 30 places in the UK and so far called "noble" (it was one of the most precious gifts among the UK nobility at the time), suddenly became "the pest", inheriting from red squirrels all the myths told about them so far [Signorile et al. 2016].
5. The scientific research shows minimal competition for food and habitat between European red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). The same research shows that significant variability of reproduction – observed in different years – which occurs naturally within red squirrel populations living in areas with no grey squirrels (Wauters & Lens 1995, Wauters et al. 2000, Gurnell et al. 2004) can also occur among red squirrels inhabiting the same area with grey squirrels (data from Wauters & Lens 1995, Wauters et al. 2000, Gurnell et al. 2004). It is also well known that small and fragmented habitats are very unfavourable for sustaining a red squirrel population (Verboom & van Apeldoorn 1990, Gurnell & Pepper 1991, Rodriguez & Andren 1999, Flaherty et al. 2012). The same research shows that significant variability of reproduction – observed in different years – which occurs naturally within red squirrel populations living in areas with no grey squirrels (Wauters & Lens 1995, Wauters et al. 2000, Gurnell et al. 2004) can also occur among red squirrels inhabiting the same area with grey squirrels (data from Wauters & Lens 1995, Wauters et al. 2000, Gurnell et al. 2004). It is also well known that small and fragmented habitats are very unfavourable for sustaining a red squirrel population (Verboom & van Apeldoorn 1990, Gurnell & Pepper 1991, Rodriguez & Andren 1999, Flaherty et al. 2012).
Many thanks Stephen for that information. It mirrors our own page on squirrels here at Protect the Wild from which the quotes Eliza used in this post were derived - https://protectthewild.org.uk/wildlife/mammals/squirrel-facts/ - the narrative used to demonise Grey Squirrels as the 'killers' of Reds has parallels in the narrative that foxes must be eradicated to 'protect' ground-nesting birds - by which shooting estates mean pheasants, partridges, and grouse - the stories about wildlife here in the UK are never as straightforward as the shooting, farming, forestry, and agriculture industries would have some of us believe. Thanks again.
the grey squirrel is scapegoated, they are less responsible for the demise of the red than humans or domestic animals. They are better problem solvers and in my view it is completely wrong to target them. The red is no longer native - all the current reds in the UK come from a very shallow gene pool reintroduced from Scandanavia. It is long overdue that the greys are accepted as part of our wildlife
Beautifully written. Thank you for such a thoughtful and informative response. 👍👏
Welcome. we love squirrels, the greys are scapegoated - reds were wiped out by humans 3 times before the greys ever came to the UK, each time they were reintroduced from Scandanavia, as I explain above. Most of the woodland in the UK now favours the greys. Humans are the problem, not the grey squirrels, they are just a convenient excuse for humans who do not want to admit their responsibility
De(ath)fra should read your knowledgeable information instead of listening to landowner blood sports idiots - but, deaf ears because then they are the the same people aren't they? People like you should not be gagged, your information should be out there to challenge the false narratives presented by heavily biased 'scientists' used to present judgemental and wrong information, - because it suits some, but not the majority of us!
thank you. Yes, it is easier for them to scapegoat grey squirrels (and previously reds - as per my first post)
Just joined: no brain. No one with a heart & some spare cash should pass by the horrid image of the poor little squirrel. So beautiful when alive reduced to carrion
Sorry just couldnt have walked past this without taking that poor little sqiurrel and that monsterous trap given it a proper dignified burial and squashed that trap and left it where the toe rag that set seen it squashed or id have waited and thru the trap at them along with a mouthful that would shame a docker thats the only language these scum understand 😡😡😡😡😡
I completely agree with you! I adore grey squirrels and my family feed them by putting out nuts for them to collect. We are the ones to blame for this and we should put it right the humane way!! Why not tranquilize the grey squirrels, neuter/spay them, microchip or harmlessly tag and then release them like how TNR procedures for stray and feral cats and dogs work? A harmless, humane and effective way to reduce the population without killing which is never needed!! I just wish that I could go out and relocate all the grey squirrels and wild animals to somewhere where they would be safe. Wasn't Scotland meant to be banning all snares or is this SSE snare trapping an "exception" and is still going to continue as a loophole the same as the loophole being used in so called "trial hunting" is?!
Hi Cara. The Scottish government have confirmed they will ban snares (and glue traps) via the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill but there is no sign of cage traps being banned and they are widely used across the country. Like the rest of the UK, Grey Squirrels don’t receive any formal protection in Scotland other than through animal welfare legislation which bans 'uneccessary suffering'.
Thank you Charlie Moores for replying to my comment and for explaining/confirming that for me. Although I am glad that Scotland have confirmed that they will finally ban snares and glue traps, cage traps still seem like a loophole to me as cage traps are still indiscriminative and can still cause unimaginable suffering of starvation and dehydration for any animal unlucky enough to be caught in them (like the poor red squirrel in this post), the same as what snares do. Plus, how can they say they "kill them humanly" as is there truly any way to call killing a perfectly healthy and fit being who doesn't want to die humane? I just don't understand why grey squirrels are so sadly persecuted everywhere in the UK when they deserve just as much respect, admiration and rights to live as the red squirrels do. Killing is never an answer. Please keep going Charlie Moores and Protect the Wild, you have my full support all the way!
Sorry, meant to say "SSRS" instead of "SSE"
We only value an animal when we have nearly killed it off, and even then there are those people who still need to kill.
I used to live in Bonnyrigg which is a few miles outside of Edinburgh. We usdd to take our 3 rescue greyhounds for some very long walks around midlothian. On our walks we'd come across the remains of deers, hoofs sawn off, heads discarded. There's a lot of illegal dog racing going on in the area & around Edinburgh, Glasgow etc. We encountered a lot of pheasant feeders, snares, badgers sets where someone had clearly attempted to dig them out. There was a lot of illegal rifles & crossbows also being used to hunt animals. I lived there for four years & my opinion of the people that lived there was they had it tough & animals were a simple means to make money & to eat. They weren't worried if an animal suffered, a neighbour a few doors down kept his 3 greyhounds in a shed & used them solely to win himself money in these illegal dog races, where dogs were strayed, beaten, given drugs then simply dumped on the streets if they weren't any good. That's where our 3 greyhounds came from, rescue dogs dumped on the streets to fend for themselves. I reported the neighbour after I'd moved back down to Bristol.
Evil scum! I just wish I could get my hands on them!! Bless you for rescuing your dogs!
I can’t stand reading any more about how many animals are constantly illegally hunted, traumatised, killed and exploited by entitled sociopaths who think it’s ok to trespass around the country leaving destruction and desolation in their wake, without being accountable for their actions. I have just signed up to be a monthly subscriber. It isn’t much but I hope it will help protect the brave volunteers who put themselves in the field to try to expose the illegal activities and save as many animals as they are able to. I worry about them too. I wish you all the very best. Thank you for all that you do. ❤️
Thank you Helen. Every penny helps, I promise you, and lots of 'not much' add up to a whole lot.
It’s me who should be thanking you, Charlie. 🙏🏻
I can’t do anything to help apart from this. Thank you for providing me with a way to actually do some good in this world, vicariously through all you brave people there. It sounds like I was virtue signalling, but I was just so angry and in despair about all that unnecessary cruelty, that I was trying to spur another person to sign up as a monthly subscriber who might have been reading. Thank you for all that you do.
Hi again Helen. Can I just say that categorically you weren't 'virtue signalling'. We all feel desperate and we all feel that 'we don't do enough' (I've interviewed Chris Packham several times in the past, and even he thinks he doesn't do enough!). What's important is that we do what we can - and that's never too small or unimportant, because the fact is that while we may not feel important or influntial on our own, we have a community here that standing together can do a lot - and certatinly far more than most of us - me included - can do on our own. I'm a firm believer that combined we have a heck of a voice and every single action we take might (as you suggested) inspire someone else. So thank you again and all the best.
Hi Charlie. Could someone from PTW please add the name to 'causes for donations' to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/panel/?utm_source=adobecampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mothersdaygiveaway-2020&utm_content=wup-2019&origin=SE179# I use this site and my chosen cause is for sabs. It costs me nothing to gradually build up a donation, it just happens as I shop! I have removed all short cuts to shop at Amazon, E-bay, Tesco, JustEat, B&Q, etc, etc and now have just a shortcut to 'Easy Fundraising to access these sites. The donations are small but do build up and every time a shopper achieves £15, their cause benefits. You have lots of followers, probably lots of shopping goes on! I personally do not shop much, but when I do, pennies go 'in the pot'! I have persuaded others to use this, even those not usually donating but as it is free, they get the point! If you do this, please let us all know so we can select you as 'our cause'! Thank you.
I am completely the same Helen. I can't comment and I can barely even read many of the posts because I would be too tempted to swear and use language I shouldn't and literally because I can't bear to hear/read about yet another poor soul being killed again. I just want all this to end, the same as you, the brave hunt sabs, everyone else here and protect the wild do too. Bless you as well for catering for all wildlife in your garden too! Why can't everyone just be like us?
Bless you for caring too, Cara, and for all that you do to help wildlife and animals. It’s awful to know you feel so incensed and wretched, but it also strangely helps knowing there are other good people in this world who really give a damn, and care as passionately as we all do here. Some days I can read the posts all the way through, some days I have to stop, it’s too much, I just can’t bear to think of animals suffering. I really restrain myself with written comments too, using as much control as I can not to really say what I think about hunters and people who are cruel to animals. While I type I am sweating like a mad thing. 🤬 Thank you for helping restore my faith in mankind, Cara.
Thank you too Helen for helping to restore my faith in humans too. I completely agree with all that you are saying. You are a person after my own heart as I am the exact same. I just wish that everyone was like us, then there wouldn't be any unimaginable cruelty and murder of innocent animals anywhere. Bless you and thank you for all you do to help animals as well Helen.❤️
What a disgusting and cruel way to trap and kill anything.
Vile humans strike again.
Such suffering and torture. These traps are outdated and irresponsible.
I'd love to cage the person who set this trap and deny them food and water. Oh, and terrify them as well while they suffer a torturous death 🤬😡