Hedgehog rehabilitation and the stress of captivity.
By Gill Dixon PGCE,MA,BHScHons,RGN.
Background.
I have chosen to write this article because I believe that
many hedgehogs are put into situations of unnecessary stress and distress,
often unwittingly by the very people who are caring for them. This article
applies to the native wild European hedgehog only. (Erinaceus europaeus).
I am myself a hedgehog rehabilitator (rehabber), and am aware
of the ever-diminishing numbers of these charming creatures, the desperate need
for qualified or trained rehabbers, and the odds that are stacked against the long-term
survival of our only spikey indigenous mammal in the UK. I am though, concerned that
some people may take up the role of rehabber without a real understanding of
their species-specific needs. Humans do have a tendency to anthropomorphize
animals, be they domestic or wild and this a matter of serious concern when
dealing with any wild species, as it likely to negatively impact their
recovery.
I decided to review current legislation and best practice
guidelines in pulling together the following information. This article then, is
not just my opinion, or anecdotal in nature but based on information to which
all rescuers should have due regard. If anyone is found to be causing harm to a
hedgehog (whether they are aware or it not) they are breaking the law and can
face huge penalties if they are reported and found guilty.
Hedgehog rescue is not for the faint hearted. It is a huge
commitment, with rehabbers working at all hours of the day and night for no
financial reward, often dealing with horrendous injuries.
It is fair to say that the welfare of hedgehogs in the UK is
really down to a few excellent wildlife hospitals and small army of volunteers.
It is wonderful that we have these volunteers but very sad
that rehabilitators of these endangered mammals do not have to undertake mandatory
training nor are their premises or practice subjected to compulsory and regular
inspection. Indeed there is currently no framework of inspection or acceptable
practice when it comes to rehabilitating hedgehogs in the community and
absolutely anyone can set up a hedgehog rescue. Vale Wildlife hospital
publishes a number of useful documents for rehabbers and I have found other world-renowned
centres, to be very generous with their knowledge and expertise. There are a
number of groups on social media where rehabbers can ask for help, share
knowledge or get support. Many vets do make spot checks on the premises of
rehabbers whom they support.
Just loving hedgehogs is not a good enough reason to become a
rehabber, and fortunately those that go into the vocation for the wrong
reasons, rarely last long under the weight of the demands of the role. Some
rescuers are forced to retire because of the sheer weight of the workload and/or
an inability to turn injured animals away, resulting in the individuals become
exhausted or ill.
Hedgehog rehabilitators should have a sound knowledge of
basic anatomy and physiology and wherever possible attend a recognised course. In
addition to this, many rescue centres will be happy to talk to
interested individuals and groups, or mentor ‘would be’ rescuers.
They should also be aware of
the zoonotic conditions carried by hedgehogs and should not themselves be
immuno suppressed.
It is important to have a sound knowledge and pay due
regard to current legal requirements and animal welfare legislation.
Legislation can be a confusing topic but it is important that all staff working
with wildlife are aware of their legal requirements. As legislation is
continuously evolving it may be necessary to research species-specific
information on a case by case basis.
There are some useful guidelines in the Good Practice Guide
for Wildlife Rehabilitation centres (see references).
Ideally some sort of protocol should exist between rehabbers
and their vets, but this seems to be the exception rather than the rule, and it
should be acknowledged that there are very real cost implications to caring for
wildlife, for the rehabilitator/rescue centre.
Vets have a duty of care to administer first aid to injured
wild animals, but anything beyond that is a matter for the individual practice
and they must of course consider financial and resource implications as well as
the welfare of the animal in their ultimate decision making.
I have been awakened to the fact that the hedgehog
rehabilitation world is a contentious one, with some very strong opinions and occasionally
some rather defensive responses and outdated practice. This is balanced by other
excellent examples of extremely good care. Of course, individual rescues will
have their own unique practices, ideas and personal ethics and I for the most
part can and do live with these differences as simply that, differences.
However, there are some practices that I strongly disagree with such as keeping
hedgehogs endlessly in hutches for a whole myriad of given reasons, but I base
that on a knowledge of wildlife behaviour and current research and best
practice, not just because it offends and upsets me.
Stress.
Hedgehogs are shy, solitary, nomadic nocturnal mammals, hard
wired to be wild, to hunt and to procreate and to live as far away from human
intervention as possible. Sadly, with increases in human population and the
decimation of natural habitat, hedgehogs and humans clash ever more frequently,
and the need for rescue centres has never been greater than it is now.
Stress is an enormous factor in the capture of our only
spikey indigenous mammal.
The moment they are handled and placed in captivity they are
stressed.
I thought it might be useful, to consider some of the
situations that may create stress and rather than it just be my opinion to
embed this information in law and legislation and research relating to
hedgehogs.
Are hedgehogs protected in Law?
Hedgehogs do have some (limited) degree of legal
protection in the UK.
- they are listed on schedule 6 of the Wildlife
and Countryside Act (1981) which makes it illegal to kill or capture wild
hedgehogs, with certain methods listed
- they are also listed under the Wild Mammals
Protection Act (1996), which prohibits cruel treatment of hedgehogs
- a species of ‘principal importance’ under the
NERC Act, which is meant to confer a ‘duty of responsibility’ to public
bodies
They also fall under the auspices of the The Animal
Welfare Act 2006, The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
I have no doubt that the
British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC), would be strongly concerned
about some of the practices currently undertaken by a few good-hearted individuals.
Being well meaning, and making decisions based on improving the profile of a
rescue, increasing revenue or attracting crowds rather than on the absolute
welfare of the individual animal is both unethical and illegal and carries huge
penalties.
Some rescue centres keep
hedgehogs for years because they are not fit enough to be released, having
perhaps suffered an amputation or been certified as blind. I am
fairly ambivalent about this
practice and can live comfortably with that choice IF the animals are kept
in an environment as near to a wild one as possible.
In April 2007, the Animal
Welfare Act came into force in England and Wales. This new legislation was
designed to replace the protection of Animals Act 1911, which did not apply to
free-living wildlife. The Animal Welfare Act legally enforces any person who
has responsibility for an animal to adhere to the “five freedoms” and provide:
• freedom from hunger and thirst; • freedom from discomfort; • freedom from
pain, injury or disease; • freedom from fear and distress; and • freedom to
express normal behaviour .
It is impossible for a hedgehog to express normal behaviour
in a hutch, therefore containment within such an environment should always be
kept to an absolute minimum.
My own motto own is, rescue, rehabilitate and release, and
that is exactly what I aim to do as soon as it is safe to do so.
Current U.K. legislation relating to protected wildlife
allows sick, injured and orphaned individuals to be taken into captivity either
for
treatment
and release when fit or to be humanely destroyed, and for no other purpose.
Whilst a hedgehog is in a rescue they are considered to be ‘protected’.
“An animal is a “protected
animal” for the purposes of the Animal Welfare Act if— (a) it is of a kind which is commonly
domesticated in the British Islands, (b) it is under the control of man whether
on a permanent or temporary basis, or (c) it is not living in a wild state
Hedgehogs are wild animals, and the Wild mammal protection
act clearly states that:
‘In this Act "wild
mammal" means any mammal which is not a domestic or captive animal within
the meaning of the Protection of Animals
Act 1911’
The BWRC says clearly and unequivocally that
‘Accommodation for permanently disabled casualties should be
a separate entity. Adequate space should be provided and the habitat enhanced
to mimic the natural environment of the species, whilst allowing close
monitoring and good standards
of
husbandry and veterinary care.’
Keeping hedgehogs endlessly in hutches, boxes or small
enclosures is therefore stressful and illegal.
They go on to say ‘The
BWRC does not condone the permanent captivity of any wild animal.’
Personally, I have made the decision on several occasions to
allow a hedgehog to undergo back leg amputation or have become aware that they
are fully blind and have chosen not to have them euthanised. I believe
everything should be given a chance, but those that have been rehabilitated
have gone to large (I am talking acres ) secure areas where they can be
monitored and live their lives as naturally as possible. I appreciate that I
have been lucky and this is not always possible, but they should never and I
repeat NEVER be kept long term in a hutch, in someone’s house or a barren
enclosure no matter what their injuries are.
Dr Liz Mullineaux BVM&S,
DVM&S, CertSHP, MRCVS, a recognised specialist in Wildlife Medicine (Mammalian),
Scientific Advisor to Secret World Wildlife Rescue and co-editor of the BSAVA Manual of Wildlife
Casualties states that keeping hedgehogs in cages for months over winter is
unnecessary and not in the animal’s best interest. They can be released at
550 grams (the added weights of 600g and 700g given as guidance have no
scientific basis) and at any time of the year (unless the weather is
particularly inclement). Bunnell (2002) would contest this by saying that weight per se is not a good indicator of health but the weight/size ratio must be taken into consideration. They do survive just as well in the wild and they
should be given the opportunity to return to the wild as soon as they are fit
enough. That is both ethical and good practice.
Hedgehogs, like all wildlife are hard wired to be just that,
wild. The soul focus for life is to survive and to procreate and anecdotal
evidence suggests that animals released into large secluded areas have been
observed trying tirelessly to escape. However, in a study by Morris and Warwick
in 1994 (cited in Wildlife on-line) hedgehogs were found to live long and
productive lives in enclosed gardens and so the jury is out as to whether this
is good or bad practice and it must be a matter for personal choice, ethics and
beliefs, but any decision made should ALWAYS be in the best interest of the
animal.
The BWRC states: -
‘Whilst there is no specific legislation
relating to permanently disabled casualties, it should be remembered that the
various defences in wildlife legislation for anyone in possession of a
protected wild animal relate only to the purpose of tending it and returning it
to its wild state. The inference, therefore, is that it is not acceptable to
keep such animals in captivity.
Ambiguity arises over the cases where
eventual release would not be possible either at the time of capture or during
treatment (e.g. a one-winged bird or blind mammal). It will become apparent
that these casualties are not covered by the exclusions of the Act. It has not
yet become a legal argument that these animals should be euthanised but it
should be remembered that the animals in question will be protected by the
provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.’
Therefore, keeping wild hedgehogs in captivity should be done
with care and concern and currently captive hedgehogs should not be part of any
breeding programme. The BWRC clearly states that
‘Breeding must be avoided unless participating in a
registered bona-fide breeding scheme.’
This may though be considered to fly in the face of
recommendations of good practice laid out in the Animal Welfare Act which
states
‘A designated “Protected animal” is An animal
is a “protected animal” for the purposes of this Act if— (a) it is of a kind
which is commonly domesticated in the British Islands, (b) it is under the
control of man whether on a permanent or temporary basis, or (c) it is not
living in a wild state
9 Duty of person responsible
for animal to ensure welfare (1) A person commits an offence if he does not
take such steps as are reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the
needs of an animal for which he is responsible are met to the extent required
by good practice. (2) For the purposes of this Act, an animal’s needs shall be
taken to include— (a) its need for a suitable environment, (b) its need for a
suitable diet, (c) its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns,
(d) any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and (e)
its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Normal behaviour can surely be considered as breeding, but it
is safe to say that no wildlife body would currently agree to captive hedgehogs
being bred as they are unable to escape the potentially unwanted advances of a
prospective mate.
Indeed, breeding females that are too young/old can result in
the loss of the babies by natural death or by cannibalism by the mother. This
can happen simply if the mother hedgehog has suffered unnecessary stress as
well, to which any rehabber will attest when dealing with a disturbed nesting
site.
One huge cause of stress is the unnecessary handling of
hedgehogs
The BWRC clearly states that
‘Each volunteer must be aware of the varying needs of the
different species and be conscious of the need to keep human contact to a
minimum.’ This
is for the welfare of the animal and the handler in regard to zoonotic disease
transmission.
Dr Mullineaux, suggests that
this is especially relevant to salmonella which poses a significant risk and so
hedgehogs should not be kept in kitchens or over handled.
Recently I was horrified to see pictures posted on social
media showing hedgehogs being handed around to members of the public at a
stately home open, day after day in an effort to raise awareness and funds, by
a rescue centre. Videos of hedgehogs can and should be used to raise awareness and
wild hedgehogs should never be used as exhibits, something that is
strongly objected to in a recent communication with the Vale Wildlife
rehabilitation centre. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (a Charity
dedicated to protecting wild hedgehogs), rather disappointingly would not be
drawn to give an opinion.
When the handler of that animal at the exhibition was asked
by a fellow rehabber, how they knew that animal was not stressed they answered
that it did not raise its spines. The hog in question was in fact brain damaged,
possibly unable to exhibit usual indicators but this sign in isolation cannot
and should not be used as a gauge of stress. Recordings of heart rate and
respirations may have been a better gauge but still an inadequate one. A
knowledge of how a wild hedgehog normally lives should be enough to dismiss
this kind of practice as unethical and potentially harmful to the animal
because it is anathema to me.
It has been shown that hedgehogs can and do get used to
handling, and to a degree domesticated over time but they always remain
genetically wild.
I would urge that handler to read the following article https://www.animal-ethics.org/wild-animal-suffering-section/situation-of-animals-wild/psychological-stress-wild-animals/
in which the stressors and
responses to those stressors are clearly documented.
A bullet point summary would
suggest causes of stress are: -
·
Predators (humans fall well into that category)
·
New and unknown environments
·
Noise
·
Human intervention
·
Disturbance and transportation
I would urge rescues to
reconsider their practice of taking wild hedgehogs to fayres and exhibitions,
where each and every one of these stressors is abundantly demonstrated.
Fortunately, to my knowledge very few agree to this practice.
I would urge members of the
public to NOT engage with stands that have live wild hedgehogs on
display (NB Some do take ‘pet’ African pygmy hedgehogs).
I would also strongly
discourage rehabbers from collecting animals from the wild to ‘check them
over’. If a hedgehog is ill it will in time present itself as such. It is very
bad practice (and unlawful) to run and informal check-up centre for hedgehogs
that are going about their business after dark. People should not be keeping
hedgehogs overnight to ‘check them out’ and should not be lifting hedgehogs
after dark to check their weight in terms of hibernation success. Hedgehogs
going about their business after dark should be left to do just that.
Rehabbers are urged to read section 4 of the Animal Welfare
Act 2006 Act which relates to unnecessary suffering. Some may ask Is
causing unnecessary stress suffering? That may be difficult to demonstrate and
calculate but I believe it absolutely is.
People should report concerns
of bad practice to their local Animal Welfare Inspector, Wildlife crime officer
or the RSPCA. Bad practice rebounds onto all of us and we are ultimately all
considered to be ‘dabblers’, when in fact many individuals and centres are
doing excellent work in a professional and competent manner, and have
accumulated a vast amount of knowledge and expertise about the animals that
they are working with.
It should be noted that the
Local Authority has the power to prosecute offences. A local authority in
England or Wales may prosecute proceedings for any offence under the Wildlife
Act. The sad truth is that I have never heard of such a report or prosecution
because rescue centres are autonomous entities and escape the scrutiny that
most other organisations and agencies are subjected to.
Interestingly in a study by
Rudy Boonstra in 2012 he found that: -
‘In mammals, birds, and
arthropods, there is evidence of animals showing PTSD-like symptoms in response
to stressful events, of mood and anxiety disorders, and of negative moods
spreading within social groups. In some species, living in a state of
chronic stress appears to be an adaptive response to environmental threats’
So, subjecting these mammals
to constantly stressful situations (e.g. an exhibition, a busy and noisy rescue
centre, the sound of loud music or equipment) we may be creating a state of
chronic adaptive stress that the animal should not and would not otherwise be
feeling.
As rehabbers we know that hedgehog rehabilitation is far from
ideal. It is not policed, there are no written minimum standards of care and no
person or body enforcing ‘good practice’ or inspecting premises and records kept.
Experiences with veterinary practices vary and all rehabbers would agree that
in an ideal world all admissions would be seen and assessed by a qualified and
experienced wildlife vet and then handed over to a rehabber for care. Sadly,
though vets have no mandatory wildlife training and hedgehog rehabbers are
often seen as (and indeed are) the experts when it comes to successful
rehabilitation. Most vets are happy to support rehabilitators as it saves them
countless hours dealing with wildlife admissions, many of whom may simply
require routine treatment for internal parasites or dehydration, and would
indeed be a drain of a veterinary practices resources.
On the whole I have been moved by the level of commitment by
people who are all volunteers and who all choose to rescue and rehabilitate
because they can, and they genuinely want to help this endangered and charming
mammal to survive against increasing odds to the contrary.
I take my hat off to busy rescues, and to the commitment and
care shown by the vast majority of my fellow rescuers, and for their desire to
share knowledge and information.
However, this does need to be done within the parameters of
recognised good practice, legislation and some ethical monitoring of decisions
made.
I would encourage all rescues to seek the support of other
rescues so that decisions that are difficult can be discussed amongst
experienced rehabilitators. I would also encourage rescues to keep abreast of
evolving legislation and reflect on their practice at regular intervals to
ensure that it is both current and effective.
Importantly I would ask rescuers to always consider the
stress that an animal may be feeling as a result of what they are doing to or
with that animal and reduce the impact of that as far as is humanly possible.
This article is not written as any kind of witch hunt or to
make anyone feel persecuted. It is written absolutely with the welfare of the
hedgehog as its focus and to encourage all rehabbers (myself included) to share
good practice and consider their own practice and how it might be improved from
time to time.
Ref
Boonstra, R. (2012) “Reality as
the leading cause of stress: Rethinking the impact of chronic stress in nature”, Functional
Ecology, 27, pp. 11-23 [accessed on 2 December 2019].
The
Animal Welfare Act http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/pdfs/ukpga_20060045_en.pdf
Good Practice Guidelines for
Wildlife centres.
https://www.bvzs.org/images/uploads/BVZS_Good_Practice_Guidelines_for_Wildlife_Centres_011016_.pdf
The Wildlife and Countryside
Act 1981http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69/contents
The Wild mammals protection
Act
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/3/pdfs/ukpga_19960003_en.pdf
Vake Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation centre http://www.valewildlife.org.uk/rehabbers-area/
Wildlife online. https://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/questions/answer/can-rehabilitated-hedgehogs-be-released-back-into-the-wild
