The poisoning of red squirrels by rodenticides is being raised as a threat to the Isle of Wight’s red population, with Wight Squirrel Project taking the matter up with the Island’s MP. Bob Seely is supporting the charity’s campaign to prevent red squirrels from falling victim to poison. According to figures recorded by the Wight Squirrel Project up to 2022, around 1.7% of red squirrels presented for post-mortem examination died because they ingested amateur rodenticides such as rat poison. The charity has written to Mr Seely about the problem, who says he is considering using legislation to address the issue. Mr Seely has said:
“First, thank you to Helen Butler MBE and other volunteers from the Wight Squirrel Project who do so much to support the red squirrel population on the Isle of Wight. “Red squirrels are protected in UK law; however, I think there could be more we can do so I’ve written to Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, about the specific issue of poison and what can be done about it. “I believe changes in legislation could help so I am considering bringing forward a Red Squirrels Protection Bill to address the issues affecting the health of red squirrels not just on the Isle of Wight but across the UK.”
Red squirrels are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly injure kill or take red squirrels. Housing rodenticides, such as rat poison, in a bait box/station is also required by law. In his letter to the Minister, Mr Seely said:
“I am concerned that current legislation is failing to deter the harm caused to red squirrels by the misuse of amateur rodenticides on the Isle of Wight. “In 2022, there were 4,457 reported wildlife crimes but only 526 convictions. Few convictions related to improper use of pesticides. Fines for improper use of pesticides are relatively low and therefore reportedly fail to act as a deterrent. One recent egregious case of illegal pesticide storage resulted in a fine and costs of just £219.”
He specifically asked the Minister: “Please could you outline how your department currently plans to prevent the misuse of amateur rodenticides in areas with populations of red squirrels or other protected species?” Helen Butler MBE from the Wight Squirrel Project, says:
“We thank Bob Seely MP for pursuing this issue. If we are serious about looking after the Isle of Wight’s nationally important population of red squirrels, we must do all we can to protect them and enforce the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 when necessary.”
The Wight Squirrel Project has recommended a number of potential measures to address the problem including restricting the use of amateur rodenticides in areas with protected species; and enforcing the careful and responsible use of bait boxes.
Probably some are getting the poison sick people are putting down for dogs!
Exactly what I thought.
Dogs are a menace. Keep them locked up
Most people (probably you) are worse, keep them locked up.
‘I am considering bringing forward a Red Squirrels Protection Bill’
Considered it whilst laughing like hyenas with mates in the members bar.
Reports, investigations, convictions and fines take manpower and money, neither of which is in plentiful supply. Here’s a thing, Bob, which you DO already know because it’s already been passed into legislation…rodenticides are being withdrawn from sale in July and a ban on use comes in December this year for outside applications.
If you really wanted to help further, you’d agree to ban then completely. But no, just yet another self promotion story.
Excellent idea and the sooner the better. As for Bob, actually achieving something positive – don’t hold your breath. Someone must know who is poisoning both dogs and now squirrels, or have a good idea.
It’s a vile toxin, and I doubt it’s deliberate. It’s has a half life of roughly 34 days after ingestion and can still be present in the (dead) body 270 days later. It’s also still active in rat droppings. It’s put down for rats, who go elsewhere to die several days later, their carcasses get eaten by other species, who in turn get eaten. Dogs catch rats, they also die if not treated very soon. By the time you notice they’re ill, it’s probably too late. Making it ‘suitable for indoor use only’ is a bloody farce.
And how is half suasage Bob going to prevent this from happening? get an army of all night watchers in every squirrel location? No, it’s election time and more pointless free publicity. Whatever next? Supporting cat microchipping ?
Well, he could lobby for more money for Councils to be able to provide their pest service once again,which might stop people taking arbitrary and unprofessional pest elimination into their own hands.
I’d blame the gypsies, but I also half blame the squirrels for tasting really nice.
I can see the photo op now BS. Squirrel on each shoulder, sleeves rolled up etc.
It is very easy to say “we need more legislation” but not bother to go on to say why or what it should do. Legislation already exists – what is needed is enforcement. Just more Seely pre-election publicity seeking.