Leave treating injured wildlife to the experts, says SSPCA

The Scottish SPCA has issued a stark warning that members of the public are inadvertently putting injured wildlife at risk by attempting to treat them on their own.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity has had reports of untrained people taking home and trying to care for a range of wildlife including foxes, fawns and a variety of birds. In the worst cases, wild animals have had to be put to sleep because they did not get proper treatment and attention sooner.

The society launched its #WildlifeWise campaign in April to educate the public on when they should and should not contact them about wildlife.

Mike Flynn, the Scottish SPCA’s chief superintendent, said: “By no means do we think people do this maliciously or with intent to harm these animals but unfortunately by trying to care for them they are doing more harm than good.

“People need to remember that these are wild animals and any interaction with humans is incredibly stressful for them. Fawns and deer in particular suffer from extreme stress and can pass away from shock.

“Through good intentions people are causing these animals unnecessary suffering and unfortunately, in many cases, death.

“We would ask that the public do not try and take matters in to their own hands. In the first instance people should check our website for advice and if they’d still like to speak to someone, call our animal helpline.

People can reach the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.