Foreword to badger protocol.

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This protocol is the result of collaboration between Secret World Wildlife Rescue, National Federation of Badger Groups and Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the rehabilitation of badgers. It includes recommendations for the care and treatment of adults and the rearing of orphan cubs, along with current release techniques.

We intend to set up a central register of all badgers taken in to care, adults and cubs so that we can get a more accurate picture of the need and result of badger rehabilitation. It will also help the tracing of marked badgers so that the outcome of released animals can be reported to the initial carer. The registering of cubs will mean that single orphans can be directed to where other cubs are being cared for to enable it to be reared within a group and eventually released. The aim is to minimise the distances badger cubs travel by having them reared and released as near as possible to their place of origin. This will also help us to limit any potential risk of spreading disease.

A form will be available from the Secret World website www.secretworld.org , or by post from Secret World, RSPCA and NFBG. Please help us collate this important data. We would like people who deal with badgers to fill in this form for each adult badger or cub as they arrive. All information will be covered by data protection and only released to named members of each organisation.

This protocol will be reviewed by the tri party in December 2003. We would welcome any comments or recommendations for discussion to be sent to Mr Colin Seddon at Secret World by November 1st 2003.

Please note:-
Whilst the protocol was agreed by all three parties, the RSPCA still have to officially adopt the protocol as policy. There are still legal and licensing issues to be resolved on the euthanasia of a healthy badger. Anyone considering euthanasia of a healthy badger should consult with the societies involved first. Secret World is releasing the protocol as we have had so many requests for the information. We are satisfied with the contents of the protocol and are prepared to make it available to the public.

To Badger protocol's CONTENTS Page

New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 3PZ, UK
Tel. : (44) (01278) 783250, Fax : (44) (01278) 793109
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Website by Dae Sasitorn, lastrefuge.co.uk
and Angie Barber, The Secret World Wildlife Rescue