Non native mammals

[mh68]

Well it balances out I suppose, you have species we dont have this far North,and vice versa.

Mark H

[starlight]

Originally Posted by starlight

Thanks Dan, it seems to have touched a few nerves and maybe rightly so. There is so much controversy about everything raised......

However, it was Simon Cowell's programme that made me raise the initial question. So its seems strange how can certain groups can obtain a license to release grey squiggles? They are a non native pest, though I wasn't aware that reds and greys are living peacefully somewhere?

Maybe I should email Simon and ask him directly

Well quoting myself here.....I did email Simon Cowell the day I posted this. I have had no reply, strange, as you would think an answer would be forthcoming. Never mind.....I guess he's too busy releasing grey squirrels

Sorry to resurrect an old thread

[Phillippa]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Good question. perhaps due to squirrel being more fluffy. Eitherway they are a big threat to native species just like signals and mink etc.

The grey squirrels really seem to be growing quite noticably in number. There are so many where we live in London, they are real scavengers, they really are no better than rats (though slightly fluffier looking!).

There used to be red squirrels in a wood somewhere near Southport (memory rather vague as I just remember them from a very long time ago!). Cant' remember ever seeing any others since!

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by starlight

Well quoting myself here.....I did email Simon Cowell the day I posted this. I have had no reply, strange, as you would think an answer would be forthcoming. Never mind.....I guess he's too busy releasing grey squirrels

Sorry to resurrect an old thread

Just to clarify you can't get a license to release grey squirels from captivity - period ( the schedule 8 licences refer to licences to keep them)

However simon cowell isnt commiting an offence because an animal temporarily removed from the wild for the puposes of medical treatment isnt considered to be "captive" in the eyes of the law and thus is not being "released" when it is returned to its habitat.

(Its tempting to note that simon cowell is however commiting an offence against taste and common decency by promoting the release of such droning cowpat as leona lewis's bleeeding love ... but I guess we arent talking about the same guy )

[coasty]

It never ceases to surpise me how apparantley easy it has been to hold a non native species in captivity . In the construction industry if we take a hazardous product onto a site we have to be able to demonstrate a containment plan and emergency procedures if a breach occurs , If the worst happens and a leak or other action takes place the fines quite rightly are huge and there is also a risk of criminal prosecution.. If a chemical escapes although damaging it is usual that remediation can take place. If a non native species escapes the effects can change the countryside for ever...

[starlight]

Originally Posted by eeyore

Just to clarify you can't get a license to release grey squirels from captivity - period ( the schedule 8 licences refer to licences to keep them)

However simon cowell isnt commiting an offence because an animal temporarily removed from the wild for the puposes of medical treatment isnt considered to be "captive" in the eyes of the law and thus is not being "released" when it is returned to its habitat.

(Its tempting to note that simon cowell is however commiting an offence against taste and common decency by promoting the release of such droning cowpat as leona lewis's bleeeding love ... but I guess we arent talking about the same guy )

Eeyore, Thank you very much for making that clear, I see where the problem lies now. I still dont think an alien species should be treated though. Would it not be better to have an injured alien euthanised, it all just seems so wrong and contradictory. Legal red tape and ignorance.

To your second point.....,