WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGES
Wildlife cruelty is sadly becoming an increasing concern across the UK, and here in East Sussex we are witnessing the impact first-hand. At East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS), our dedicated team now deals with over 6,600 wildlife casualties every year, and a worrying proportion of these are due to acts of cruelty – both deliberate and accidental.
Two Faces of Wildlife Cruelty
Cruelty towards wildlife comes in two main forms:
Intentional Cruelty
This includes direct, targeted harm such as:
- Shooting wild animals or birds with air guns or catapults
- Setting illegal traps
- Deliberate poisoning or throwing food into roads to lure animals into traffic
One recent case involved two gulls found in Hailsham, both victims of someone firing metal ball bearings from a catapult. X-rays revealed the shocking extent of their injuries. Incidents like these are not isolated. WRAS has dealt with numerous similar attacks – and these are just the ones reported and found.
Unintentional Cruelty
Sometimes people cause harm without realising the impact of their actions:
- Rat traps set in open areas where hedgehogs are active
- Fly paper placed outdoors, trapping small birds or bats
- Inappropriate disposal of netting, litter or fishing tackle
While not malicious, these actions still cause immense suffering and death to local wildlife. Education and awareness are crucial to reducing these cases.
The Wider Picture
Wildlife crime and cruelty are often overlooked or under-reported. Police forces are stretched and rarely able to investigate quickly or in detail, especially when there is little evidence or no clear suspect. This means that organisations like WRAS are left to deal with the aftermath, providing frontline care to injured, traumatised, and often dying animals.
It’s important to understand that animal cruelty rarely exists in isolation. Research shows strong links between those who abuse animals and those who go on to commit violent crimes, including domestic abuse. Tackling wildlife cruelty isn’t just about helping animals – it’s about addressing wider societal issues.
WRAS Is Fighting Back – But We Need Your Support
Every case of cruelty is traumatic for our team. It takes time, resources, and emotional energy to respond, assess, and provide veåterinary treatment. We are a small, local charity working tirelessly to be there when the community – and its wildlife – need us most.
But we cannot continue this work alone.
Your donation can help fund:
- Emergency response vehicles
- X-rays and veterinary care
- Rescue equipment and rehabilitation facilities
- Educational campaigns to prevent cruelty before it happens
How You Can Help
Donate: Your financial support helps us reach injured wildlife faster and provide life-saving care.
Spread the Word: Share our stories and show that you find these activities unacceptable – help others understand the reality of wildlife cruelty.
Learn and Educate: Review how traps, poisons, and netting are used around your home or business.
Be Vigilant: Report suspicious activity and speak up for wildlife that cannot defend itself.
Together, we can reduce suffering, save lives, and protect the animals that share our communities.
