### Appendix 2 - Further information

#### Capture and rescue of injured, sick or orphaned wildlife

Rescuers have a responsibility to ensure handling and capture methods are humane and do not put themselves or others at risk. Capture is stressful for wildlife, and so must be carefully planned and undertaken quickly to avoid further stress or injury. It is important to always put the safety of rescuers and members of the public first. Always assess possible hazards with each rescue (e.g. dangerous terrain, near a busy road, risk of injury from the animal such as bites or scratches) and put in place measures to minimise these risks (e.g. appropriate protective equipment). Carefully plan the method of capture - plan the method of capture - time spent observing the animal, the escape route it wants to follow, and coordinating your movements is invaluable. Always assess the animal from a distance first, observing using binoculars if possible. This improves your own safety and minimises the possibility of an animal trying to flee and hurt itself further, or escaping. It will also help you confirm whether the animal requires rescuing (i.e. some minor injuries do not need treatment and will heal on their own). Minimise the time taken to capture the animal - the time taken to capture the animal - ideally less than three minutes, to avoid muscle damage. The following should be considered:

- • When the weather is warm, capture should be attempted early morning or late afternoon and should not be conducted during the heat of the day.
- • Animals must never be chased over long distances or for long periods of time. For some animals, this can prove fatal.
- • If you cannot capture the animal after the first couple of attempts, withdraw and consider using another method of capture.
- • Wildlife should be handled calmly, without sudden movements and using the least number of people possible.
- • Be firm but gentle when handling the animal and handle it as little as possible. Remember, it is a wild animal and is not used to humans.
- • When restraining an animal by hand, use gloves that protect your hands but don’t limit your dexterity.
- • Always ensure that the animal can breathe and regulate its own temperature when restraining or transporting wildlife.
- • Darkened cages and/or blindfolds (i.e. a blanket placed on the animal’s head) should be used whenever possible to reduce stress and subdue animals.
- • Excessive noise from loud equipment, vehicles or talking should be minimised during rescue and transport.

Please note: note: Some veterinary drugs, including drugs for sedation, are restricted under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017. Restricted drugs must only be administered to wildlife by, or under the direct supervision of, a registered veterinary practitioner. Direct supervision means that the veterinary practitioner has seen and assessed the animal and prescribed the medication based on the species, weight and type of illness or injury. Administering restricted veterinary drugs to wildlife without veterinary diagnosis and prescription is illegal.

Check for young for young – always check female animals to see if they are lactating or carrying pouch young. If they have a long teat, check the nearby area for young at foot. Taking a mother into care could result in the death of her young who will be left behind to fend for itself. Record the location the location – it is important to ensure you record the exact location of where the animals was found and make sure this information remains with the animal until it is ready for release. This will enable the animal to be returned to where it was found and provide it with the greatest chance of survival.

Wildlife Shelter and Foster Carer Authorisation Guide – V5.00 July 2019

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