Badgers, Rhinos and Killer Whales - oh my!

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last blog! There has been so many things to write about, so many things I have been angry over or inspired by! Perhaps a topic which has evoked such emotions is one which I read about in my trusty copy of Wildlife magazine. It wasn't until recently, whilst flicking through the latest issue of BBC Wildlife magazine, that I came across an article so disturbing in content, I doubted the reality of it. Then, reluctantly considering other disguting wildlife crimes that have been reported, I depressingly conceded that there must be some truth to the story. The article was about raising awareness of badger baiting or 'lamping'. This horrific act involves some seriously disturbed individuals releasing dogs on wild badgers. The breeds of dogs often involved in trapping badgers are terriers and dachshunds, but modern day offenders are also turning to bull lurchers, a cross between the lurcher and the illegal pit bull. The dogs are used to bait the badger and with an explosion of teeth, power and claws the animals are pitted against one another. This blood sport usually results in the badgers death - a horrific and painful death where the animal is ragged by typically two dogs, built for both speed and ferocity, and working in unison. However, fully grown badgers are powerful mammals and can weigh up to 35 pounds and so many dogs involved in badger baiting often have serious scarring around their faces and necks, injuries grave enough where many have to be euthanised or serious medical treatment needs to be administered. Many dog owners however will not risk exposure and take them to  veterinary clinics - many try to treat their dogs themselves to avoid suspicious vets.

The way these dogs are trained to attack badgers is an act which is as sick as badger baiting itself. Some people (and I use that term loosely) use badger cubs. These brutes stand on defenseless young cubs, effectively immobilising them, and let their dogs tear them to pieces. Is it just me or are these primitive, inferior excrements a danger to society? Is it too far to say they should be sent to a mental institution? If they can do this to animals how much of a stretch is it that they can harm other human beings? My brain just cannot process what enjoyment it is they feel seeing the pain, suffering and fear of an animal doomed to die in such a barbaric way.

Fortunately, badger crimes are being brought to light and those involved are being dealt with accordingly through the efforts of a unique partnership called Operation Meles and the police. Operation Meles (named after the Eurasian Badger binomial name - Meles meles) involves wildlife crime officers, local badger groups and national organisations i.e. RSPCA.

With badger baiting becoming common in places such as Glasgow (near where I live) I thought it best to write about what the public can look out for and what they can do to help save one of Britains most iconic wildlife species. People who dig badgers can be violent and often have criminal connections, so first and foremost do NOT approach people you suspect of badger baiting. Do, however, get descriptions of the people and dogs you see and write down vehicle registration numbers. Groups of men, with shovels and dogs, walking through areas of woodland are people who could be involved in this blood sport and badger setts which have been obviously disturbed should be reported, along with any dead badgers found which have injuries obtained by dogs. To damage or destroy sett entrances or tunnels is illegal without a licence. Report any suspicious activity to your local police station or the RSPCA (0300 1234 999) or SSPCA (03000 999 999). Please follow @ScottishSPCA or go here to find out more about badger baiting.

Lets work together to stop badger baiting and get justice for our British wildlife.

 

With the Javan rhino now recently announced extinct in Vietnam and with only 50 individuals left in the wild I thought I could maybe post a little paragraph on the rhinoceros, more specifically the Black rhino. There are less than 5,400 of these animals left and yet still many are threatened by poachers due to their impressive ivory horns. Deforestation also plays an important role in the rhinoceros depleting populations and charities such as WWF are desperately urging the public to get involved. You can adopt one of these beautiful animals here or why not watch this two minute conservation video about them: Black Rhino Video

Before I end this blog, I would greatly appreciate if you could take a minute of your time to sign this petition. It's a petition to save the killer whale, Morgan. 5 year old orca, Morgan, is ready to return to the wild. Marine biologists have matched her calls to her family pod and have a sophisticated rehabilitation and release plan in place for the female orca, who was found immaciated and ill off the coast of Holland in 2010. But Morgan is being held captive in an amusement park in Tenerife. In captivity, orcas have significantly reduced survival rates, and increased stress levels can cause serious illness and even death. The Free Morgan Foundation says there is a serious risk to the health and welfare of Morgan if she is kept in the park. If you want to help save Morgan the orca, join the campaign and demand that Loro Parque release her. 

Thanks. :)

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Edmund Burke