Muntjac deer and grey squirrels dubbed ‘illegal aliens’ under EU rules
Exclusive: Rescue groups will be breaking law if they nurse a creature back to health and return it to wild
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.Government wildlife bosses are designating muntjac deer and grey squirrels “illegal aliens” from Brexit day, banning rescuers from saving them.
From 29 March it will become illegal to nurse any that are injured and return them to the wild.
Rescue groups have warned that they and vets will be forced to euthanise animals, prompting anger from wildlife lovers, with more than 37,000 signing a petition against the new rules.
Non-native grey squirrels are blamed for the decline in native reds by competing for food and infecting them with the squirrel pox virus.
Natural England has told rescuers that the Invasive Alien Species Order 2019 means no more licences for the species will be issued, leaving them unable to help if a member of the public finds an injured one.
EU regulations, devised in 2014, aimed at controlling non-native species that put natural plants and wildlife at risk, are taking effect in EU countries at different times.
But animal lovers have written to environment secretary Michael Gove expressing their “shock and horror”.
“To so harshly interpret EU legislation so that the most vulnerable minority of these already vilified species (orphaned and injured) are robbed of the chance of rescue seems utterly heartless,” the letter says.
Natalia Doran, from rescue group Urban Squirrels, said: “While Urban Squirrels can guarantee that it will abide by the law, we have to warn that a lot of ‘civil disobedience’ rescue will take place and the order will be in reality unenforceable.”
She suggested grey squirrels could be controlled with an oral contraceptive.
“The numbers of grey squirrels that come into rescue are not significant statistically but are very significant for the compassion footprint of humanity,” she said.
Jade Emery, of Animal Aid, said: “This tyrannical and pointless regulation will mean rescue organisations are forbidden from helping a single squirrel.”
A Defra spokesperson said: “With only an estimated 15,000 red squirrels left in England, it is crucial we work to protect this endangered species.
“Invasive non-native species, including the grey squirrel, challenge the survival of our rarest species and damage sensitive ecosystems.
“Their impacts are severe and growing, costing the economy more than £1.7bn per year.”
The Forestry Commission says grey squirrels strip bark from trees, causing up to £10m of damage each year.
Environment department chiefs are helping fund research on contraceptives for grey squirrels.
Muntjacs are blamed for clearing growth that supports native birds and butterflies.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments