On Wednesday 9th October, staff at Cuan Wildlife Rescue were contacted by a member of the public to alert them about the abandoned cubs, found close to Sleap Airfield, Shropshire. Acting quickly, representatives from the wildlife centre were able to collect the cubs, and contact us at the UK Wild Otter Trust for additional assistance.
UKWOT founder Dave Webb said “how can anyone, anyone in their right mind just leave any animal in a box on the side of the road? This is an unprecedented act of planned cruelty and here at UKWOT, we will do everything we are able to, to bring these people to justice for this despicable act.” Otters are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. It is an offence to wilfully kill, injure, capture, or disturb wild otters.
No further details are known at this stage, but it’s clear that someone knows the circumstances that led to these cubs being discarded. If anyone knows anything about this incident. please email Dave at otters@ukwot.org or call on 07866462820 in complete confidence.
Founder Dave Webb said “I am fully aware that there are some people out there that are capable of immense cruelty towards animals. To do this to any animal is unacceptable, cowardly and illegal. We, as an organisation will do whatever it takes to bring the people responsible for this to justice if at all possible.” He continued “We sincerely hope that
someone has information on this or even has CCTV footage from the area that can be passed to the WCO investigating this rural crime”
The two small otter cubs are now safe at UKWOT’s Specialist Otter Rehabilitation Centre. They are resting and recovering from the stress of their ordeal and will be released back into the wild after a lengthy rehabilitation. We would like to say a huge thank you to Staff at Cuan Wildlife Trust and the person who alerted them to the otters and ultimately saved their lives.
The UK Wild Otter Trust is offering a substantial reward for any information leading to the prosecution of the person or persons involved in this case. If you have any information about this incident please contact Dave Webb at the UK Wild Otter Trust: otters@ukwot.org or 07866 462820.
