Hedgehog supporters in late plea to stop cull
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Activists in an international campaign to save 5,000 hedgehogs threatened by a cull are to petition the Scottish Parliament next week. In a last-minute attempt to stop the killing by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), campaigners are pressing for evacuation of the animals.
SNH believes a cull by lethal injection is vital if wading birds on North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist are to be protected from the egg-scavenging animals, who have reduced some bird colonies by up to 60 per cent in 30 years.
Supporters from as far away as New Zealand, and celebrities including Sir Tim Rice and the Duchess of Hamilton, joined the protest. Ross Minett, of Advocates for Animals, said: "We are offering to resettle the hedgehogs. The end result is the same, clearing Uist."
Michael Scott, the deputy chairman of SNH who will present the agency's case to MSPs, said: "Studies have shown a mortality level of 46 per cent is likely among translocated animals." The agency says there is no overriding conservation imperative to justify relocation. Estimates put the cost of the cull at £70,000, and £170,000 for relocation. Animal-lovers have pledged £75,000 to help to pay for moving them to the mainland.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments