Make grey squirrel rescue exempt from Invasive Alien Species Order 2019

As a wildlife rescue unit (Urban Squirrels), based in London and specializing in grey squirrels, we have just received an email from Natural England stating that licences for grey squirrels will not be renewed under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019.

Rescue numbers are not significant statistically, but very significant for compassion. If we cannot freely take in injured or orphaned animals, then: - animals suffer unnecessarily, - members of the public who find them are stressed, - vet and rescue staff are traumatized and demoralized when they have to destroy animals, - public resources are wasted in the enforcement. The need to control the species is best served by the development of oral contraception (Gonacon), currently under way.

The invasive alien species of grey squirrel has almost eradicated the native red squirrel. The Government is determined to protect the highly threatened red squirrel, with the control of grey squirrel being part of this strategy. Actions relating to grey squirrels will not be made exempt from the provisions of the planned Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. We must ensure that the way we manage non-native species, such as the grey squirrel, is consistent with the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation 2014, to support our own government strategy to reduce the impact of such species on highly threatened species, like the red squirrel. The EU Regulation does not allow for a general exemption for grey squirrels.

Legally, there is no need to end the life of any grey squirrel that has been taken to a rescue centre. In fact, in some circumstances, grey squirrels taken to rescue centres may be kept until the end of their natural lives. Non-commercial owners (such as people keeping animals as pets) may continue to keep grey squirrels in captivity as companion animals, as long as they were kept as a companion animal prior to the species’ inclusion on list of species of Union concern (3 August 2016 for grey squirrel).

In addition, there is a requirement, under Article 19 of the EU Regulation, to establish management measures for widespread species, aimed at their “eradication, population control or containment”. It is possible for some, otherwise prohibited, activities to be allowed as part of a species’ management measures, provided there is strict justification and provided that all appropriate controls are in place. The Order puts in place a licensing regime to implement management measures. Grey squirrels, such as those taken to rescue centres may be able to be kept under a management measure licence until the end of their natural lives. In situations where animals are being kept, either as a companion animal or under licence, they must be kept in secure containment and prevented from breeding or escaping.

Release into the environment of grey squirrels is not permitted, except as part of a specific activity aimed at supporting the control of the species, such as part of field trials for population control activity.

We will be providing further advice. This will give guidance on situations which may be covered by a defence, permit or licence and the route for applying for permits and licences under the Order.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

This is a revised response. The Petitions Committee requested a response which more directly addressed the request of the petition. You can find the original response towards the bottom of the petition page: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/235425