I WOULD like to comment on your story ‘Grey squirrel conviction should be overturned’, (Burton Mail, July 23).
In terms of how these animals may be dealt with, what is “humane”? “Humane” and “as humane as possible” are words frequently used by conservationists to describe the killing of wildlife. So what exactly do these words mean or are they merely euphemistic references to brutality? Red squirrel groups are currently engaged in what they call the “humane dispatch” of grey squirrels by clubbing them over the head with a blunt instrument.
However, Scottish Natural Heritage’s area manager for Shetland rightly condemned the brutal killing of 21 grey seal pups by a local fisherman, who clubbed them over the head with a blunt instrument. He said: "This is a shocking case. The degree of casual cruelty shows that there is still a great deal of ignorance and prejudice about grey seals”.
But let us not forget that SNH, together with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and others, are currently engaged in the “humane dispatch” of grey squirrels by the same method, which amounts to gross hypocrisy and double standards.
Clubbing a grey squirrel over the head is an act of violence and is being promoted and perpetrated nationwide by government and red squirrel groups.
Scientific evidence shows that those who have little regard for the welfare of animals are likely to have a similar attitude to their fellow human beings.
Abuse breeds abuse, and in our everincreasing violent society, what example is it to younger generations that violence and killing is an acceptable solution to a perceived problem of not being native to this country? Putting aside the argument of whether the animal is a “protected” grey seal or a grey squirrel, it is logical to say that if the method of dispatch is similar, there is no excuse for describing it differently. All sentient animals feel pain irrespective of whether they are “protected” or otherwise.
Angus Macmillan by email.
