British Wildlife Management - British Wildlife Management

Mammal surveys indicate that in addition to some 9-13 million domestic cats there are some 800,000 feral cats (domestic gone native) at large in Britain. Professor Stephen Harris's JNCC related research suggests that the numbers of feral cats greatly exceed the populations of other harmful predators like the fox and badger(1), as well as the threatened hare.

Cats without bright coloured reflective collars and bells(2), which cannot be identified as pets are legally shot, or shot at, with shotgun and rifle as predators by land custodians. This is because hungry cats inflict a devastating toll on millions within a wide range of wildlife, particularly songbird and ground nesting bird populations. Victims are tortured and murdered.

Encouraging more responsible cat ownership and a significant reduction in cat numbers is a primary issue for Government. Education, training and the removal of irresponsible gun use, rather than the gun user, is an essential practical welfare, and environmental priority(3).

The shotgun and rifle are by far the most common first choice of the RSPCA in dispatching other similar sized mammals despite overwhelming scientific and practical welfare evidence that there are much kinder methods, which avoid suffering from wounding. These alternative measures are unique in reducing overall suffering by being selective as well as providing the means to disperse the healthy, follow up or find the sick, wounded and other casualty animals.

1. Badgers now threaten 28 plant specific bumble bee species, in addition to hares, dormice and hedgehogs, and a wide range of ground nesting birds.
2. Phasing in compulsory collar and electronic identification implants would resolve many problems within pet cat ownership.
3. Sensible action by Government and RSPCA would greatly help wildlife and owners of cats like Archie.
4. We were eventually informed by the police that Archie was not wearing a collar.