News

17 December 2002

Animal campaigners outraged at proposed hedgehog slaughter

Advocates for Animals and other animal protection organisations are outraged and disgusted that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has today ordered the execution of thousands of healthy hedgehogs on the Scottish Western Isles.

The well-respected animal organisations, hedgehog and wildlife experts as well as animal rescue centres had proposed a trial relocation of some of the hedgehogs to the mainland. All healthy hedgehogs could then eventually have been moved to selected locations on the mainland.

Advocates for Animals Campaigns Director, Ross Minett, said: "Advocates for Animals is disgusted that SNH has ordered the slaughter of these healthy animals. We appreciate that the Western Isles have important populations of wading birds. However we believe that moving the hedgehogs to specially selected waiting locations on the mainland is not only the most humane, but also the right solution to the problem. SNH is flying in the face of what is right, expert advice and public opinion."

St Tiggywinkles Director, Les Stocker, said: "It is appalling and barbaric that in the 21st century people can simply sentence these animal to their deaths in this way, especially when there are better options that wouldn’t involve all this unnecessary killing."

Notes to Editors
For further information please contact: Advocates for Animals on 0131 225 6039 (Out of Hours: 07946 517585 or 07971 590337); St Tiggywinkles on: 01844 290494

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