The RSPCA is appealing for information after receiving distressing reports of a dog being used to hunt squirrels at Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd.
The animal welfare charity has been informed of alleged incidents where a lurcher dog is being used by an unknown male to hunt squirrels – who are then killed.
It has been reported that one squirrel – who was still alive after a pursuit – was thrown to a sandy-coloured lurcher by an unknown male for him to be killed. It has been reported that this horrific incident was witnessed by children.
RSPCA Inspector Simon Evans said: “We’d like to thank those who have got in touch with information about this and we appreciate this must have been really distressing and unsettling to witness. To also hear this may have been witnessed by children is also alarming.
“We have made enquiries but do require further information so we are appealing to anyone who may have first hand information on this.”
If you can help please contact the Inspectorate Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018 and quote Incident number 1712227.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019, grey squirrels are classed as an Invasive Alien Species.
This means they can legally be caught and killed by a variety of methods, including shooting. However, lethal control should only ever be viewed as a last resort in extreme cases, and should only be done humanely by trained, competent people, so that the animal dies without experiencing unnecessary suffering.
