Wirral News
Wirral News – March 2010
Wildlife Crime Officer
Sadly on Jan 31st we had to say farewell to Kenny Dummigan as Merseyside Police Wildlife Crime Officer. Kenny had only been in post 14 months but in that short while he proved to be an excellent Wildlife Crime Officer. He showed great interest, commitment and professionalism when he assisted me on several badger related issues. His advice and support was much appreciated. There is still a need for the role of Wildlife Crime Officer within the Merseyside Police Force and I have written to the Chief Constable urging him to consider Kenny’s replacement as a matter of some urgency.
Wildlife Crime is a specialized area and knowledge of wildlife is needed along with a good understanding of the wildlife legislation. I just hope it will be possible to find someone with the necessary knowledge, interest and commitment. We have been fortunate on Merseyside to have had three excellent Wildlife Crime Officers now in Kenny Dummigan and his predecessors Andy McWilliam and Steve Harris; theirs will be a hard act to follow. I would like to wish Kenny well in his retirement.
RTAs
Sadly February has not been a good month for Wirral badgers. I had four fatalities reported to me in seven days! There were also two dead badgers reported at the end of January.
On the positive side I was interested to hear from one local resident who has a badger visiting his garden. He regularly puts out tinned stewing steak for his nightly visitor! Lucky Brock!
The news from Wales is very depressing. They seem hell-bent on a badger cull ignoring all the scientific advice available. I have written to Elin Jones but have yet to receive a reply. If you have not yet done so it is not too late to write! The Welsh Assembly must realize the opposition to this cull! For further information consult the Badger Trust website www.badgertrust.org.uk and Save the Badger campaign website at www.savethebadger.com
Lesley Brockbank
March 2010