A plan to tighten rules around releasing invasive
non-native animals which threaten our native wildlife will
come into effect in October 2019, the Government today (1
March) confirmed.
Invasive species cost the economy an estimated £1.7 billion
per year. One of the best-known is the grey squirrel, which
threatens our native red squirrel and causes significant
damage to forestry in the UK.
The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting)
Order 2019 that the Government will lay before Parliament
at the beginning of March represents no change to the
keeping of grey squirrels in UK law.
There is no requirement on vets to euthanise any injured or
healthy squirrels that are brought into rescue centres.
It has been illegal to import and keep these animals under
existing British legislation dating from 1937. These
actions will remain illegal under the Invasive Alien
Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order in line with
the EU Regulation
(1143/2014) on invasive alien (non-native)
species and domestic policy.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside
Act 1981 it is also currently an offence to
release grey squirrels without a licence. The Invasive
Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order will mean
that Natural
England will no longer issue release licences for
grey squirrels.
Biosecurity Minister said:
Invasive non-native species, including the grey squirrel,
not only challenge the survival of our rarest species but
damage some of our most sensitive ecosystems, costing the
economy more than £1.7 billion per year.
This order prevents the release of these animals back
into the wild to help protect the endangered red
squirrel, with only 15,000 left in England. There is no
requirement for vets to euthanise injured or healthy
squirrels as a result of this order.
This move will bring England into line with established
policies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where
release licences are not issued.
The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting)
Order will come into effect during October 2019.
Under the EU Regulation, it is a requirement for management
measures to be put in place for widespread invasive
species. There will be an upcoming period of consultation
on the Government’s proposed management measures for these
species.
To allow for this period of consultation, keeping and
release licences issued by Natural England will be extended
until the Order comes into force in October 2019.
The UK will continue to uphold international obligations as
an EU member state and also as a responsible partner nation
working closely with other countries to protect our native
wildlife and forestry landscapes for future generations to
enjoy.
The Government has a long-term strategy to help control
grey squirrel populations where they are identified as a
specific threat to forestry or to existing populations of
red squirrels. The Grey Squirrel action plan is
published online.
Any companion animal of a listed species - that was kept
before it was included on the EU list - may continue to be
kept in secure accommodation, as long as it is not able to
breed until the end of its natural life.
