Captive Breeding Statement
Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue is a joint signatory to the Captive Breeding Statement.
The signatories to this statement do not support the use of captive breeding of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) for release into the wild at this time. This position is based on concerns for the welfare of wild hedgehogs kept in captivity as breeding stock, the viability of captive bred animals released into the wild and the potential effects on wild populations of hedgehogs where captive bred animals are released. Releasing captive bred animals is likely to be ineffective and lead to suffering and mortality if the underlying problems causing population decline have not been identified and rectified. Captive breeding should only be considered a suitable strategy if the decline in the wild hedgehog population progresses despite other conservation actions and should only then be considered as a last resort measure, under carefully managed conditions.
Oct 20, 2021