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Wildlife crime rates remain high, but prosecutions fall
A disturbance caused over 200 seals to stampede in Cornwall.
Latest Wildlife Crime Report shows convictions at an all-time low.

A new report from Wildlife and Countryside Link has revealed that wildlife crime levels have remained high, following a surge in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, convictions for wildlife crimes have remained relatively low, with numbers at an all-time low among the crimes the report collected data on.

The Wildlife Crime Report found that, in 2023, there were 4,735 incidents of wildlife crime reported. This included an increase in instances of persecution, harm and death against badgers, bats and marine mammals.

The report’s expanded data on marine mammal disturbance has caused particular concern about the safety of marine wildlife across the country.

It includes information collected by local wildlife groups at Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Devon, Cornwall, Kent and Yorkshire, which explores the severe risks human interaction has on seals, whales and dolphins. During 2023, there were 1,290 reports made of disturbances to marine animals.

In one case in Cornwall, human disturbance caused over 200 seals to start stampeding. This can result in significant harm and even death to seals in their desperation to reach the water.

Wildlife and Countryside Link believe that this increase in marine mammal disturbance is linked to the growing popularity of outdoor activity near the coast. Activities such as walking, paddleboarding, kayaking and wildlife tours can bring people dangerously close to marine animals.

It is an offence to hurt or recklessly disrupt whales and dolphins under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. While seals are not covered by the act, seal disturbance remains prohibited where they are a monitored feature of an SSSI.

Marine experts say that education is important to ensure that the public can enjoy beaches and oceans without putting marine wildlife at risk.

Sue Sayer MBE, from Cornwall Seal Research Trust, said: “As more local groups record disturbance of our marine wildlife, we’re getting a clearer picture on how much of an impact our behaviour can have on animals. We all have the right to head to the coast and enjoy ourselves, but if this disturbs a seal it can have dire consequences as they use up huge amounts of energy and risk physical injury when they flee from rocks or beaches.

“Fortunately, it’s very easy to enjoy our beaches and ocean without putting seals at risk of harm. Just keep your distance, and slowly move further away from them if they start to look at you.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.