We MUST Stop Killing Wildlife. NOW

 

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From The Reminiscences Of A First Whipper-in(1904)

(note: a "brace" =a pair)

"On October 27th, 1882, when the meet was at Thorpe we had another clinking good day after a stormy blustering

"The largest number of cubs killed in one morning at Bradbury Wood is ten, viz : — four and a half brace accounted for at the time, and one picked up next morning, making five brace. It may be added that at the same time six brace went away before a kill was recorded ! Possibly the North Durham hounds have eclipsed this, as I hear on the authority of their Master, that they once killed in one day the following mixed bag, viz. : — a brace of foxes, two cats, one hare, one cock pheasant, one weasel, and one hedgehog ! "

You will note that there was then, as there is now, no control of the hounds which were raised to chase and kill a small animal and pets as well as tenants fowls etc were killed regularly.

You discover a good few horses were "wasted"/fell (died when pushed to extremes) and everything is joyfully recorded yet when you read the pages it is disturbing on a scale I had not thought about before. Yes, we know the extent of fox killing (vulpicide –killing any and every fox whether newborn, cub or adult- was a good money earner for most people and bounties continued on into the early 20thcentury in some areas. It was “a job well done”) but this book is typical of its kind at that time: these were the landed gents or people with money and they took great pleasure at what they were killing and the numbers killed whether hares (causing a bit of an argument because hares were the preserve of the hare hunters!), dogs, cats -jolly fun.

I had never actually considered the psychological make-up of these people -other than the fact that they were most definitely "disturbed" because of the enjoyment they got from killing vixens "in cub", cubs and really, just about anything else that got in the way. Re-reading Russell's book I wondered what a psychologist might make of it all? Certainly I would not want to live next door to these people.

The modern myth is that "all" country folk supported the fox hunts and this is actually a proven lie -especially if you research the periodicals of the 18th and 19th centuries it is only when some small holders pets or live stock are killed and the impudent wretch takes legal action that we hear the "but this is pest control!" excuse. The hunts had wiped out the British Old foxes by the 1880s and had been importing thousands of European foxes each year (since the 1600s)…for hunting. Why? Had they not wiped out their “vermin”?

Looking at the numbers killed by just a few hunts you can see why the true British fox became near extinct, in fact there may not be many with any of the Old fox DNA in them from hybridisation now because many thousands of foxes were imported yearly "for the sport of fox-hunting" and every manual on fox-hunting, every magazine article as well as interviews with, ahem, as the press called them, "great hunters" made that very clear: it was a rousing sport for gentlemen and ladies. But these hunts, and those who supplied them, brought the UK a ‘gift’ still causing suffering and death to this day –mange. Pre-importation mange was unknown but as one “good fellow” sent some gift foxes to another “good fellow” so they spread the mange around the country until it reached even isolated Scotland.

Then we have the "damn sad" state where earths are opened and searches made but no foxes to kill -"Where are they all -we killed at least thirty last season!" It is almost like the sociopath killer who looks around a body strewn bar because he can't find anyone else to kill. He shrugs and asks "Where have they all gone -none left?"

It took between 1977-2010 to compile the data in Red Paper: Canids and until it was all put together I never really truly realised what had gone on. This is how the British fox was on the very brink and then fell over into the abyss of extinction. Today it is just a memory to those who even know about them -like the lynx, the wolf, the bear and other British mammals hunted to extinction.

The British Canid Historical Society wants to educate and discover more about our lost canids and continue the work I started in 1976 so that it can continue when I am no longer here.

The Fox Deaths Project is helping us learn more about fox health and how foxes are dying. It was a long hard struggle but I got it rolling with the help of my colleague Zoe Webber.

I warn and shout regularly about the threat –even in cities- of people using snares to trap and kill foxes –with other wildlife and pets victims. I warn about the use of rodenticide by untrained members of the public and local authorities. I warn about the use of slug pellets that kill hedgehogs and other wildlife; if it eats slugs then it is being poisoned by slug pellets.

Badgers also suffer from all of the above and badger baiting is still taking place in England.

If you know of someone killing wildlife deliberately then you HAVE to report them or you are complicit in every animal’s death. Your neighbour wants to put out slug pellets or rodenticides then talk to them and explain what they are doing.

Hammer away at local authorities to stop rodenticide use and let cats, owls, foxes and badgers deal with rats and mice the natural way.

Everyone has to play a part in protecting our wildlife and not rely on false promises by local authorities. It is Our wildlife. We are killing it.

Can We Help Stop Mange and Ticks?

  

What can you do to prevent mange/ticks?

Hayley de Ronde wrote a quite long post of treatment and what is/is not legal and she notes:

"Zoopharmacognosy or pharmacophagy (remedy-eating) is a behaviour in which non-human animals self-medicate by selecting and ingesting or topically applying plants, insects, soil or mineral stones/dust in order to prevent or reduce the harmful effects of pathogens, parasites and toxins.

Applied Zoopharmacognosy is the veterinary-supervised practice of utilizing plants, herbal remedies, essential oils, botanical preparations and tinctures in order to alleviate animal pain, injury and disease.

An example of zoopharmacognosy is when animals eat grass to induce vomiting or dust bathe to ward off parasites. Planting parasite-busting, immune-boosting plants in your garden can go a long way in helping your local wildlife to help themselves, without the need to seek veterinary advice.

Canid-safe, parasite-busting, immune-boosting plants:

Mugwort, Garden Cress, Dandelion, Broadleaf Plantain, Milk Thistle, Chamomile, Fennel, Turmeric, Chicory, Chervil, Carrot, Celeriac, Pumpkin, Wild Oats, Barley, Rye, Hibiscus, Blackberry, Rosehip, Wild Strawberry, Blueberry, Mulberry, Gooseberry, Juniper, Elderberry, Coriander, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Peppermint, Sweet Basil, Lemon Balm, Sunflower, Valerian and Dill.

Parasite-repelling plants:

Arnica, Aloe Vera, Astrenia, Anise, Wormwood, Rue, Rosemary, Chamomile, Fleabane, Fleawort, Sweet Bay, Mint, Lavender, Wild Garlic, Chives, Pennyroyal, Pyrethrum, Sage, Citronella, Marigolds, Scented Geraniums, Beebalm and Catmint.

Dust baths:

Mites are the most common ectoparasite found on wildlife and pets, but researchers from the University of California have devised a way for people to provide their animals some respite from the dreaded itch, by coming up with a clever way to control them - bags of brimstone. Using a large sand pit filled with bark and mulch, it could also work for foxes,

“Sulfur dust has been used for decades to control mites... The sulfur is usually provided to chickens in a “dust bath,” essentially a box of dust, which may contain fine dirt, sand, diatomaceous earth, insecticides and other powdery substances [e.g. charcoal/cool ash].”

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is made up of tiny fossilised water plants that are ground into a fine white powder that can be used orally, topically or environmentally. It is an eco-friendly, organic pesticide that works in a purely mechanical manner and because it is not chemical in its action, it has no chemical toxicity and parasites cannot build up a tolerance or immunity to it. However, if inhaled in large quantities it can cause irritation to the lungs, so use considerately and as directed by the manufacturers.

It is reported to kill 75% of flies and fleas that come in contact with it within 72 hrs and is effective for eliminating flies, fleas, mange mites, ticks, slugs and snails.

USING NUTRITION TO PROMOTE HEALTH

If you have sick foxes visiting your garden that you are unable to capture or treat, then providing the right supplementary diet for a short period, can go a long way to helping them fight off the problem.

Always seek advice from a veterinary or wildlife organisation before using diet to promote health and welfare in wild animals. This ensures animals do not suffer unnecessarily and that you are in compliance with the best practices available, which can only benefit fox welfare.

Parasite-busting, Immune-boosting foods include:

Manuka Honey

Honey has been used to benefit health for centuries and its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties have gained increasing scientific awareness in the light of increasing microbial resistance. Honey protects the body against damage caused by bacteria. Some honeys also boost production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection.

Not all honey is the same however, the antibacterial quality of honey depends on several factors, some kinds may be 100 times more potent than others.

Pumpkin and Papaya Seeds

Pumpkin and papaya seeds are great parasite cleaners, containing the amino acids curcurbitin and carica, which work to paralyze and eliminate parasites from the animal's digestive tract. Feed the seeds whole or grind them up and add it to food.

For dogs, it is suggested to use one-quarter teaspoon of pumpkin seeds per 4kg of body weight, once or twice daily until the parasites are gone.

Probiotics

Probiotics are demonstrated to be efficient for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, and allergic symptoms, and also can kill or inhibit pathogens by strain-specific mechanisms relying on competition, molecule secretion, and/or immune induction.

ProPlan’s Fortiflora is a complementary pet food with live probiotics, available from vets and pet stores. It contains live "friendly" bacteria that help maintain intestinal health and balance, and a healthy immune system. Provides palatability enhancement for animals with poor appetite and helps maintain faecal quality. Use as directed on the packet.

Please note that all indications do not preclude appropriate medical management, veterinary diets should always be used under veterinary supervision.

Protein Supplements

Oxbow Animal Health’s Critical Care (for Carnivores) is a complementary pet food with omega fatty acids and essential proteins, available from vets and pet stores for convalescing animals. To be used as directed on the packet.

Please note that all indications do not preclude appropriate medical management, veterinary diets should always be used under veterinary supervision.

Garlic and Sulphur Rocks

Garlic contains over 33 sulphur compounds and sulphur is known to aid in the treatment of mange. Must be used sparingly, as garlic can be toxic to animals in large quantities or concentrations.

A 2008 report published by the National Research Council, was unable to determine the safe upper limit of garlic intake for dogs, cats and horses, but it could “use available research to recommend a range of acceptable intakes according to historical safe intakes (HSI) and estimated presumed safe intakes (PSI)”.

Based on a clove weighing 3 g, the PSI for dogs 20-35kg, it is the equivalent to approx.1/2 clove per day. For a 5-6kg cat, it is 1/25 clove per day.

You can also try Sulphur Rocks, for use in an additional water bowl. A traditional product, used by generations of animal owners as a tonic. One tub contains small lumps of bright-yellow sulphur. Place one piece in the water of the animal’s drinking bowl and replace with a fresh piece every three or four days.

Oatmeal

Oats are classified as one of the world’s healthiest foods. “They are nutrient-dense and provide sustained energy. Even when oats are hulled, they still retain all their fiber and nutrients. Oats contain manganese, selenium, tryptophan, phosphorus, vitamin B1, dietary fiber, magnesium, and protein.

Oats, oat bran, and oatmeal contain a special type of fiber called beta-glucan, shown to lower cholesterol, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, and supporting the immune system’s response to bacterial infections, viruses, fungi, and parasites.”

Mineral Blocks

Tick and Parasite Licks are natural mineral supplements containing a broad spectrum of nutrients to help keep an animal’s nutritional needs balanced. Incorporated into these supplements are unique and beneficial diatoms, (see Diatomaceous Earth, below). These natural remedies have proven beneficial in boosting an animals immune system and helping animals resist disease and parasites.

Activated Charcoal

Using charcoal for medicinal purposes has a long history, particularly for detoxifications purposes. More recently, activated charcoal has been used to treat toxic ingestions and continues to be a form of gastrointestinal decontamination for poisoned patients, both human and animal.

Activated charcoal is a great way to rid an animal of any toxins which they may have consumed. Activated charcoal binds to the toxic substance which decreases the risk of an animal suffering from any potentially poisonous or toxic substance.

Diatomaceous Earth

Medical researchers are gradually becoming aware of the nutritional importance of Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Silica is one of the most important trace elements in the body and is crucial for numerous bodily functions and aiding mineral absorption.

Diatomaceous Earth is an effective detoxifier and on a microscopic level, when ingested, these tiny, sharp particles move through the body's systems, attracting everything from bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, endorphins, pesticide and drug residues. Use as directed on the product and product information leaflet."

I have to admit that I have changed my own policy on how to treat a fox with mange and no longer recommend homeopathic drops unless the advice and drops come from a source that has a vet approve the treatment.

Hayley has actually come in for a lot of nasty comments regarding her post but I can tell you that she is NOT anti-fox and is pointing out the law as it stands.

There are people who sell pharmaceutic treatments who are not veterinarians or qualified to do so. I get to see the disasters first hand. One person has tablets from someone to treat a fox with mange and because of the secrecy in feeding foxes does not know anpother lady to the rear of her property is also treating. In the end, after my advice was ignore, the fox got worse and Secret World had to trap, treat and then release the fox back to the original site.

I have seen people using drops that are not working and the foxes involved look as though they may be on the verge of organ failure. The people involved will NOT contact a rescue and believe it is a "super mange" -it is NOT. It is that the infection is too far gone for drops to help and rescue and treatment is needed.

I have no idea how many foxes die through being given a poor treatment or tablets someone sold them. I have two post mortem reports on foxes that died from mange and scabies -I often think that people need to see the post mortem photos that I get to see.

If we can cut back grass and plant the right things (I am already ordering plants mentioned) then we may be able to cut back the number of mange cases.

People on this group will have seen foxes with bad mange and some of you like me will have seen the sudden decline and horrible deaths. What smashed my face into a concrete wall was seeing a very young fox cub (a few weeks old) that I could not catch and realising that it was on its dying legs.

We are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers so, please, let's change our "fox habits" and see if we can do the right thing.

Hayleys full article can be found here

https://onlinefoxforum.wixsite.com/foxes/forum/health-and-behaviour/homeopathy-and-foxes?fbclid=IwAR0JHhLgv1ZWqmQrtDINpEeSWy0omrjcZYgbdPxDnNSR-gN4SPrcGmEbHcs

Dead Badgers. Dead Foxes. The Lack of Cooperation is NOT Coming From Officials

 

 I just posted this to the three main Bristol groups: Bristol Nature Network, Bristol Naturalists and Bristol and Surrounding Area Wildlife. This is me getting a tad angry.

As it seems some local group (Friends of Eastville Park) has decided to block my post on the serious matter of badger deaths and unidentified blue material found there (in fact all my comments seem to have gone) I have had enough.

So here is what I wrote:

Hello.

If possible, please indulge me, I would like to make certain points as it seems that no one is really that intersted in larger carnivores in Bristol. However, they are interested in spreading lies and rumours for their own reasons.

I am a field naturalist and mammalogist of over 40 years and in that time I have never given out anything confidential. From 1977-2015 and my semi retirement I was a UK police forces wildlife consultant and I still very rarely talk about that work.

I have stated repeatedly that the locations of badger setts and fox dens should not be publicly publicised, as I am now, so I am told, also and environmentalist-conservationist if I cannot be trusted with information then who can?

I do not pass info to DEFRA as I strongly disapprove of the badger culls. The work stays with myself and to date I have looked at four Bristol badger deaths and my colleague Zoe Webber has been out today to look at another badger reported dead. So we have recorded FOUR dead badgers as well as unusual substance that the local park group appears to want to remain silent on (even removing my comments on the matter it seems.

The British Fox Study (f. 1976) has aFox Deaths Project that I fought hard to get going and have an official [pathologist carry out post mortems. We are making headway with that and what we are finding out about foxes and how they die, etc.

Since at least the 1990s (when I dropped the study) no one has been keeping track of badgers in the Cityu, where their setts are and checking whether any deaths are natural, RTA or something else.

I have been sounding the warning bell on snaring in and around the City -the fact that an official post mported listed this as cause of death appears to have raised no interest.

I have warned about a number of threats to badgers and foxes and yet I am not to be trusted? Where are all the naturalists specialising in foxes and badgers because I could certyainly do with help -this is an unfunded effort and yet for at least nine months cooperation from naturalist groups and wildlife groups in and around the City has been non existent.

To those who have helped in any way -THANK YOU.

I DO NOT work for DEFRA and am not "scoping pout badger setts" nor am I trying to locate fox dens for some fantasy "extermination plan". Ask DEFRA and aalso Bristol City Council who have been obstructive just how "in their pocket" I am.

My concern is for the welfare of the wildlife -foxes and badgers in particular- and any threats against them. I reject newspaper,TV and radio interviews so as to NOT draw attention to myuself or my work.

I work 18+ hours a day on this and all year round. Therefore if anyone wishes to make any claims please post them on group so that they can be dealt with.

Thank You

But then the Friends of Eastville Park group got in touch about my posts on the dead badgers and unidentified blue substance.

"Friends of Eastville Park:

"Hi . We are waiting on a protocol for reporting from BCC (Bristol City Council -THS). As evidenced on the thread, there is some confusion on the most effective way of having corpses removed. We have agreed with council that a clear policy would work best and once we have it, we will produce a simple poster for the park and feature it at the head of our group page.

Facebook being what it is, messages drop down and get quickly forgotten so this approach will guarantee that it reaches everyone. Once we have it,

I'll invite you to input regarding your request to be contacted and we'll include it on the poster- that way, all the info will be in one place.

Comments from various members were deleted due to them containing guesses dressed up as facts which might alarm people. The thread was also getting quite lengthy and the original subject was getting a bit lost so we restricted comments at that point.

We'll get a simple, definitive message out there- it always works best."

To which I rsponded:

"Hello. As I pointed out I established the protocol re dead carnivores in Bristol and their collection and post mortem examination where possible. BCC has NO protocol other than pick up and incinerate -it will not even after a year clarify to worried allotment owners the situation re rat poison on allotments.

I will be leaving the group as obviously my opinion and experience on this matter is of no interest"

Committees that sit on their asses and wait for Bristol City Council will still be waiting in a year. The UK National Carnivore Advisory/The British Fox Study spent months fighting for dead foxes to be officially examined after death. We are prepared to do the same for badgers -my colleague Zoe Webber was out earlier today checking on another dead badger in an area close to the Park (too decomposed).

So long as people want to sit on their hands let them. Both Zoe and myself will deal with dead foxes and badgers as they are reported and if we come across any unidentified substance I will be sure that it gets examined officially.

Again, to those who HAVE helped in some way, even reporting dead animals -THANK YOU