Animal Growth Investigation in Dusseldorf
Handling found wild animals requires careful consideration to ensure the safety of both humans and animals. Here are guidelines for dealing with injured wild animals:
General Guidelines for Handling Wild Animals
- Safety First: Wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when handling wild animals to prevent bites and scratches[1].
- Containment: If possible, use a large sheet or box to cover and contain the animal. This helps reduce stress and prevents further injury[1].
- Transportation: Plan how to transport the animal safely. If it is struggling, consider how to secure it without causing harm[1].
Guidelines for Injured Wild Animals
- Contact Professionals: For injured mammals (such as raccoons, squirrels, opossums, or coyotes), contact local animal control or wildlife centers. Avoid handling them yourself due to the risk of disease transmission[1][3].
- Provide Appropriate Care: Keep the animal in a warm, quiet, and sheltered place. Do not feed or give liquids until advised by a professional[3].
- Seek Immediate Help: Reach out to local wildlife rehabilitators or your local humane society for assistance. Many organizations have hotlines for emergencies[3][4].
Specific Considerations for Different Species
- Large Marine Animals (Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises): Never attempt to move them yourself. Contact trained response teams who can assess and determine the best course of action, which may include release, rehabilitation, or euthanasia[2].
- Birds: Young birds without feathers (nestlings) should be put back into their own nest if possible. However, house martins or peregrine falcons that have fallen out of their nest require help from an expert[1].
- Other Species: Be aware of local regulations and species-specific guidelines. Some animals, like bats and skunks, may not be accepted by all wildlife centers due to health risks[1].
Movement and Handling Tips for Animals
- Plan Ahead: Ensure the movement route is clear, and all helpers are informed of the plan to minimize risks[5].
- Use Proper Facilities: Ensure that pens and chutes are sturdy and free from sharp projections to prevent injury to handlers[5].
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the safe handling and care of injured wild animals. Remember, unharmed young animals found after contact with a dog should be returned to where they were found[6]. Keeping wild animals permanently is prohibited[7]. Larger pruning of hedges and shrubs must be completed by the end of February to maintain suitable nesting and refuge sites[8]. The Federal Nature Conservation Act prohibits damaging, destroying, or disturbing nesting, breeding, living, or refuge sites during the breeding season[9].
If a young animal is not accepted by its mother after intervention, it may need further help[10]. If wild animals are injured, they should be taken to a vet for examination and treatment[11]. Dead wildlife found on private property must be disposed of by the property owner at the small animal body collection point of Awista GmbH at Hoherweg 100[12]. Dead wildlife should not be touched due to the risk of disease transmission[13].
For questions about the humane handling of wildlife, the Consumer Protection Agency can be contacted at 0211-8993242[14]. It is prohibited to prune hedges or woods during the breeding season, which for native birds begins on March 1st and ends on October 1st[15]. Dogs should be kept on a leash from April 1st to July 15th at least during the breeding and nesting season[16]. Young birds that are already feathered do not need human help, even if they appear to be in distress[17].
[1] RSPCA (2021). Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/wildlifehospital/wildliferescuerehabilitation [2] NOAA Fisheries (2021). Stranded marine mammals. Retrieved from https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/stranded-marine-mammals [3] Defra (2021). What to do if you find a sick, injured or distressed wild animal. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-sick-injured-or-distressed-wild-animal/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-sick-injured-or-distressed-wild-animal [4] BWC (2021). Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/wildlife/wildlife_rehabilitators.aspx [5] RSPCA (2021). Moving and handling wild animals. Retrieved from https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/wildliferehabilitation/movingandhandlingwildanimals [6] NPS (2021). What to do if you find an animal with a dog collar or leash. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/what-to-do-if-you-find-an-animal-with-a-dog-collar-or-leash.htm [7] BAFU (2021). Keeping wild animals. Retrieved from https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/nature/wildlife/keeping-wild-animals.html [8] NCC (2021). Hedgehog hibernation and hedge trimming. Retrieved from https://www.nature.scot/thriving/hedgehogs/hedgehog-hibernation-and-hedge-trimming [9] BAFU (2021). Nature conservation law. Retrieved from https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/nature/nature-conservation-law.html [10] RSPCA (2021). Orphaned wildlife. Retrieved from https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/orphanedwildlife [11] BAFU (2021). Wildlife veterinary care. Retrieved from https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/nature/wildlife/wildlife-veterinary-care.html [12] Awista GmbH (2021). Small animal body collection point. Retrieved from https://www.awista.de/service/tierkadaver-abfuhr [13] Defra (2021). What to do if you find a dead wild animal. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-dead-wild-animal/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-dead-wild-animal [14] Bundesverbraucherzentrale (2021). Wildtierrettung. Retrieved from https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/themen/tiere/haustiere/wildtierrettung [15] NCC (2021). Breeding season for native birds. Retrieved from https://www.nature.scot/thriving/birds/breeding-season-for-native-birds [16] DEFRA (2021). Dog control orders. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dog-control-orders [17] BAFU (2021). What to do if you find a fledgling bird. Retrieved from https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/nature/wildlife/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-fledgling-bird.html
- In contrast to handling found wild animals, it is essential to maintain a suitable home-and-garden environment that accommodates various wildlife, such as birds, hedgehogs, and other small creatures, benefiting their lifestyle and promoting biodiversity.
- Caring for injured wild animals at home may not always be the best option due to the risk of disease transmission, but providing a safe and sheltered home-and-garden space can attract and accommodate a variety of animals, offering them refuge and reducing the need for rescue.