To maintain top professional standards running our rescue, we adhere to the following rules and expectations of conduct set by our registration with the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, as follows:

The BWRC 10 Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation

• To comply, at all times, with all relevant legislation in regards to the capture, handling, captive rehabilitation, release (and euthanasia) of wildlife. In particular, this includes the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Medicines Act 1968.
  
  
• To ensure that a high level of biosecurity is observed and adhered to at all times.    The appropriate use of PPE is mandatory to ensure the safety of both the rehabilitator and their wildlife casualties.
  
  
• There must be an agreement (ideally in writing) with one or more local veterinary practices for the provision of veterinary advice, treatment and surgery (including euthanasia). A written euthanasia policy should be available detailing the available methods of and general reasons for euthanasia.
  Our agreement with our vets can be seen here.
  Our euthanasia policy is available here.
  
  
• Staff and volunteers must be appropriately trained for the tasks they will be carrying out in order to continually secure animal welfare needs. This should be recorded and CPD should be encouraged. Staffing levels should be appropriate to the numbers, ages and species being cared for during rehabilitation.
  
  
• The five needs as set out in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 must be provided at all times throughout the rehabilitation process. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 can be viewed here.
  
  
• All public facing media (websites, social media etc.) must reflect the highest standards of care and adherence to current legislation and biosecurity advice. They must also follow BWRC’s guidance regarding the use of wildlife in media.
  
  
• Facilities (housing, enclosures, holding areas) and equipment provided for wildlife rehabilitation should be suitable and adequate for both the species and the numbers of patients involved. They should also be designed and constructed of materials which allow suitable disinfection.
  
  
• Accurate records (either paper or digital) should be maintained including as a basic minimum: Dates of admission and discharge, species, age (adult/juvenile), sex, reason for admission and outcome.
  
  
• There should be a written policy for every rehabilitation centre to continually review their existing policies and methods of care and treatment of wildlife casualties in order to remain up to date with current thinking and to ensure that the highest animal welfare needs are met.
  Our care policy can be viewed here
  
  
• The BWRC firmly opposes any native British animal, of wild origin, being kept in permanent captivity in rescue or rehabilitation environments. Keeping these wild animals in sanctuaries can present ethical challenges and is likely to compromise their welfare. In all but the most exceptional circumstances, such animals should be euthanised to protect their long-term welfare.