Could/should the Wildlife Law be updated

I think this is going to cause a lot of concern and a lot of debate. To me it does read as though it's to benefit the farmers and the shoots and maybe not such a concern for our native wildlife.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9493070/Law-could-be-updated-to-make-it-easier-to-cull-grey-squirrels-and-badgers.html

littlewid-x-

I saw this on Twitter and am not sure about it. I do have an issue with being over run by grey squirrels but think much more time needs to be spent in consultation.

Lai

As much as Grey Squirrels are one of the planets animals and therefore have my respect, they are also killing of our native reds and yes I do have concerns over that issue.
I think the thing tht hit me from the article was it sounded as though they wanted to change the law so that they could just go onto anyones land and kill of what they believed not to be native, whether it be animal or plant and when this kind of law gets passed it can also get out of hand and then the animals and plant life will really suffer. It didn't sound to me that there was much concern over our native animals just the things that may be getting in the way of farmers income and that of the big shoots as well.
I agree Lai, it needs far more consultation and input from various societys.

littlewid-x-

Like most things a lot more discussion and thought is needed. If you cull 100 grey squirrels in an area, within a relatively short time another 100 will appear from neighbouring areas. They are now here and here to stay, like so many creatures that were introduced and shouldn't really be here.

Man interferring again

Lai

I'm going to have a really big about this one before commenting. There are some species, and the reasons for culls that worry me
WS

There are way to many loopholes in this. Where it's to protect a native species like the Reds, in the areas where they are still holding on then fine, also with Mink, and the different species of Crayfish ect, and plants like Japanese Knotweed that are really invasive, I have no problem. What does concern me is when they start talking about native species like the Badger as we have all discussed on here. Now it's Buzzards that are spoiling the fun of people who like to shoot Birds, and the loss to the estates is negligable, the answer shoot the Buzzards. Cormorants are spoiling the fun of Fishermen by coming inland, and taking fish. So they are now a pest, I wonder if the Cormorants think the same of the Fisherman that go to the coast, and take their fish. The word pest is used to describe a wide range of things, from a major problem, to a slight nusience, what a pest to one person or group of people, can be a pleasure, or a thing of beauty to another. In essence this legislation could be used to get rid of anything that interfer's with mans pleasure, or business interests, without any thought for the effects on our wildlife.

WS