Wildlife campaigner drowns a Grey Squirrel!

[Dick Glasgow]

What are your thoughts on this story, on MSN News, today?

A wildlife campaigner has drowned a grey squirrel to challenge the RSPCA to prosecute him.

Chairman of anti-grey activists Morpeth Red Squirrels Norris Atthey killed the animal in an attempt to confront the charity following its prosecution of Raymond Elliott last month.

Burton Magistrates granted Mr Elliott a conditional discharge but ordered he pay £1,547 costs to the RSPCA when the 58-year-old window cleaner admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after drowning a grey squirrel in a water butt.

Wildlife campaigner drowns squirrel

Would there have been such a fuss if this drowned Rodent had been a Rat?

What worries me a little is, that at the moment, any Tom, Dick or Harry can buy a Six-Pack of Grey Squirrel Traps & without any prior knowledge or training, head for their nearest Wood and set them.
Personally, I think this sends out the wrong message.
Surely, it'd be far better if all control of Grey Squirrels was limited to either those who were professional Trappers, employed & trained to cull Grey Squirrels in a safe & humane manner, or their lay assistants, who had received similar training.

I feel this needs to be addressed as soon as possible, because more & more Red Squirrel Groups are forming around the country, which is going to lead to more & more Grey Squirrels being Shot, Trapped, Poisoned ... & Drowned!

Personally speaking, I believe Greys are here to stay. After all, they didn't ask to be dumped into the UK & Ireland but be fair, they're just trying to make the best of it!

But seriously, we must remember that in many areas, where they are not in conflict with the Red Population, they are popular & welcome.

If we don't sort this out soon, we could end up with vigilante type vilification of the Grey Squirrel throughout the country, which I'm sure is not what any of us here would want!

All I'm saying is, that I think we have to be very careful here & not send out the wrong message!

Today's Poser?

If the Grey Squirrel is nothing but a Grey Tree Rat ... then what does that make the Red Squirrel?

Cheers
Dick

[Kayleigh]

There is already a thread on this somewhere..

[Dick Glasgow]

Sorry, I'm new to this site.

I did search the Mammal Board, which I would imagine is where a story like this belongs, but couldn't see it.

As this story is dated today though, I can't see where it could be hiding.

Must go find my magnifying glass .......

Cheers
Dick

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Dick Glasgow

Sorry, I'm new to this site.

I did search the Mammal Board, which I would imagine is where a story like this belongs, but couldn't see it.

As this story is dated today though, I can't see where it could be hiding.

Must go find my magnifying glass .......

Cheers
Dick

I cant find it either but some bloke got convicted of killing a grey Squirrel maybe they have rerun the story..
OR..We have serial grey squirrel killers on the loose

I will go and have another look and if I find will post it here..

Nope the thread has disappeared from the face of WAB..
they do that from time to time if they get a bit heated..
Or I had a bit too much wine and dreamt the whole thing..

[Miss Caretaker]

Isn't this story about a different man? As far as I can see he was doing it in protest after the first 'squirrel drowning' incident resulted in a prosecution.

[tufftie]

As was said in the other thread no species of animal should be treated in this way - there is simply no need for it. It seems to me that this guy is more interested with his own self importance than anything else.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Miss Caretaker

Isn't this story about a different man? As far as I can see he was doing it in protest after the first 'squirrel drowning' incident resulted in a prosecution.

That will teach me to read links lol

[stigofthedump]

Just to add. One woodland we visit has a notice at the entrance asking the general public to report sightings of greys. I would hope those who would contemplate doing so would not be under the impression that their actions would result in such a death.
Great public relations



Vince

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by stigofthedump

Just to add. One woodland we visit has a notice at the entrance asking the general public to report sightings of greys. I would hope those who would contemplate doing so would not be under the impression that their actions would result in such a death.
Great public relations



Vince

Where the reds have a strong hold the greys have to be controlled..

[stigofthedump]

Indeed and I support such actions. Just that publicity stunts like this do his cause no good what so ever.

Why on earth anyone would do such a cruel thing to goad an organisation into taking legal action is beyond me.


Vince