Persecution from the Middle Ages onwards eradicated the otter from large parts of the UK. Now, following intense conservation efforts, the species is making a comeback, especially in Scotland.
While many people are delighted to see otters, there’s always somebody going to complain, and in this case it is the owners of fisheries. They claim the otters are taking too many fish, and some are demanding a cull.
The European otter is still listed as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List and the populations are only beginning to recover in Scotland. A cull would be ridiculous, especially given the popularity of otters with both residents and tourists.
Tell the Scottish government to resist all demands for an otter cull.
We the undersigned ask that you do not even consider allowing an otter cull, despite the demands of a few vested interests.
Following intense conservation efforts, including reintroduction programmes, populations are finally recovering. Yes, otters eat fish, but we believe that the occasional loss to fisheries is a price worth paying to preserve such an iconic and charismatic animal.
Please resist all attempts from the lucrative fisheries industry to slaughter our otters.
Thank you for your attention.
