02/06/2026
This is a long one and not my usual post but I feel it needs to be said.
A recent article has come to light in which a vet who works in my local wildlife hospital has criticised wildlife rehabilitators and expressed the view that many disabled wild animals should be euthanised rather than rehabilitated. The article also uses a photograph of my pigeon, Bobby, who lives happily with half a wing missing. I have had confirmation, after seeking legal advice, that my photo is to be removed from this article.
While I respect that euthanasia is sometimes the kindest and most appropriate option, I do not agree that a healthy animal should automatically lose its life simply because it is missing a limb or has a disability. If a safe, suitable environment can be provided and the animal has a good quality of life, I believe rehabilitation and lifelong care should be considered.
The article refers to wildlife rehabilitators as “backyard rehabbers” and “cowboy rehabbers”. These comments do not just affect me; they affect countless dedicated people caring for foxes, pigeons, seagulls, hedgehogs and many other species. This is dismissive and offensive to the many individuals who devote their time, money and energy to helping injured wildlife.
Not having a vet on site does not mean animals in our care do not receive veterinary treatment when needed. Most wildlife rehabilitators work closely with veterinary practices and seek medical treatment whenever appropriate. We simply do not have the funding or resources of larger organisations to have a vet onsite.
The article states that ‘Edward’s estimates that he euthanises thousands of animals each year’ and ‘in the majority of wildlife cases, euthanasia is the most appropriate course of action.’
It is this mindset that leaves many members of the public reluctant to take injured wildlife to certain facilities when treatment, rehabilitation and release may be possible.
Those of us caring for wildlife at home often go far beyond what people realise. Personally, I have spent thousands of pounds providing veterinary treatment, accommodation, food, medication and safe environments for the animals in my care. I do this alongside working as a nurse, caring for my family and meeting all the responsibilities of everyday life.
I am not afraid to make the difficult decision to euthanise when it is necessary to prevent suffering. Where we differ is in deciding when that point has been reached. I currently care for one legged pigeons that are content, settled and thriving. Bobby, despite having only half a wing on one side, spends his days happily pottering around the aviary and enjoying life.
A disability does not automatically mean an animal has no quality of life. Just because a pigeon required a limb to be removed does not mean their life should end. Every case should be assessed individually, with the animal’s welfare, comfort and quality of life at the heart of the decision.
We may not all agree on where that line is, but I believe compassion, rehabilitation and giving animals a chance should never be dismissed as “cowboy” rescue.
I am a well educated person and a clinical specialist within my own professional field within the NHS. While my training is not in veterinary medicine, I take rehabilitation extremely seriously. I have appropriate documentation and structured systems in place. Every admission is recorded, every medication is prescribed by a veterinary professional and all animals requiring diagnostics, such as pigeons with suspected fractured, are referred for X-rays and veterinary assessment.
I have detailed policies in place and every pigeon is logged and tracked throughout their treatment.
I am currently trialling a digital system to move away from extensive paper records, as the level of documentation involved is significant and constantly growing.
I am also completing higher education in veterinary sciences with the dream to one day study as a vet (if I ever win the lottery 🤣🤣)
I have long term aspirations of establishing a dedicated wildlife hospital, but at present the financial barriers to veterinary training and facilities are significant and beyond my means. Despite this, I continue to learn, improve and provide the highest standard of care possible within my resources.
I show positive stories on my social media, no one wants to see paperwork, prescriptions, x-rays and pigeons in such a bad way that euthanasia is the only option. Just because these things don’t get shown, it doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
