A nice day out killing squirrels with the kids
RSPCA slams hunters’ gruesome hobby
CHILDREN give thumbs-up signs over the body of a grey squirrel shot by activists who brag of killing the woodland “invaders”.
Grey Squirrel Hunters UK has posted hundreds of snaps of dead squirrels, with details of how they were “dispatched”.
The vigilante shooters claim their shooting parties are vital to protect endangered red squirrels by culling their more prolific American grey cousins.
But pictures and video show attackers taunting their prey before blasting them, and shot animals writhing after being hit. Now the group’s activities have been condemned as “distressing” by the RSPCA.
It said: “While it is legal to kill grey squirrels, it must be carried out in a humane manner. The RSPCA believes that such killing should be done by trained, competent people so the animal dies without unnecessary suffering.”
LETHAL
It said one of the group’s videos “appears to graphically demonstrate the suffering that occurs when a squirrel is not killed quickly and cleanly. “The RSPCA believes that where control is needed to manage wild animals, control must not be interpreted solely as lethal control.” Elisa Allen, director of animal rights group Peta, added: “Squirrels are social animals. They should not be gunned down for a laugh or social media post.” But Squirrel Hunters UK, which lauds red squirrels, says its site is “for all grey squirrel hunters to chat and share ideas”. But killing greys is unlikely to affect the number of reds, as they are only in a few areas with around 140,000 remaining. There are thought to be 2.5 million greys. Grey Squirrel Hunters UK did not respond when asked to comment.