Harriet’s Welfare Must Come First – An Appeal for Her Future 🦡 💌

(Petition update notice: Please note that the wording and scope of this petition have been updated since the original version. As circumstances have developed, the educational licence was not granted/cancelled, meaning that Harriet’s care and future arrangements have had to be reconsidered. The petition has therefore been updated to reflect the next steps in her care, maintain our commitment to her welfare and continue exploring every appropriate alternative to euthanasia. Our aim remains to give Harriet the best possible chance of a future through suitable care, specialist assessment and alternative placement options.)

Harriet’s welfare must come first This petition and additional fundraiser are about supporting Harriet’s current care while helping to establish what the most appropriate long-term arrangements should be. Above all, our aim is to ensure that every decision made about Harriet is guided by her welfare, individual needs and best interests. We believe it is important to recognise the dedication and care that Graeme has already shown Harriet, while also acknowledging the importance of independent assessment and specialist wildlife expertise. 

These two things do not have to be in opposition. ⬆️

Harriet is currently thriving in Graeme’s care. She is happy, active and continuing to display natural, instinctive behaviours. It is important to recognise that the care she has received so far has been beneficial to her. Indeed, our understanding is that, without the intervention and care she received, euthanasia (the veterinary term for putting an animal to sleep) was being considered as an outcome at that stage. Harriet’s progress demonstrates why her individual circumstances deserve careful consideration and why every possible appropriate alternative should be explored before any irreversible decision is made. 

Recognising Graeme’s intentions and dedication It is equally important to clarify that Graeme has NOT simply been demanding to keep Harriet. His priority has been finding the best possible outcome for her. He has been exploring opportunities across the country, including licensed zoos and other appropriate placements, while considering which environment would best meet Harriet’s long-term welfare needs. We believe his efforts and intentions should be represented fairly.

Wanting the best possible outcome for Harriet is not the same as insisting on keeping her permanently.  

🔓 The importance of collaboration and independent expertise There are other protected-species specialists, wildlife organisations and charities whose knowledge and experience could contribute positively to finding the right solution for Harriet. We believe meaningful communication and collaboration are essential. It is concerning if important discussions and opportunities for collaboration are taking place without all relevant people being brought into the conversation. Rather than allowing the situation to become focused on an individual through media coverage (!!) we would like to see greater emphasis placed on constructive communication, specialist advice and practical support.  

Direct engagement with Graeme, alongside independent professional assessment, could be far more beneficial to Harriet’s welfare than personal criticism or a public narrative (!!) that risks overlooking the wider circumstances.  

We are not asking for decisions to be made without proper scrutiny, nor are we suggesting that one person’s care should automatically determine Harriet’s future. 

We are asking that: Harriet’s positive progress and current quality of life are recognised. Graeme’s efforts and intentions are represented fairly. Independent wildlife and protected-species specialists are involved. Licensed and suitable long-term placements are properly explored. All appropriate alternatives are considered before any decision about euthanasia is made. There should be no disagreement about the most important consideration: Harriet’s welfare must come first.  

Her future should be determined through compassion, evidence, independent assessment and collaboration between the people and organisations best placed to help her.  

A reminder about badger welfare and legal protection We would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that badgers are wild animals and a legally protected species in Scotland under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, as amended. Badgers should never be approached, handled, fed or disturbed by members of the public. ‼️

If you come across a badger that appears injured, unwell, distressed or in an unusual situation, please: Keep a safe distance. Do not attempt to touch, handle, feed or move the animal. 

Do not attempt to rescue it yourself. Seek advice from qualified wildlife professionals and follow their instructions. 

Only handle or intervene with a badger if an appropriately qualified professional specifically instructs you to do so. 

🩷 Who to contact if you have concerns about badgers in Scotland Scottish SPCA ☎️ 03000 999 999  

🩷 https://www.scottishspca.org/ Scottish Badgers https://www.scottishbadgers.org.uk/ 

🩷 Scottish Badgers can provide information about badger conservation, local groups and advice on concerns involving badgers.  

Please remember: badgers are wild animals, and respecting their welfare means allowing them to remain undisturbed wherever possible and ensuring that any necessary intervention is carried out by people with the appropriate knowledge, experience and authority. Harriet’s circumstances are individual, and her welfare needs must be considered accordingly. 

Her situation should never be interpreted as encouragement for members of the public to handle or keep wild badgers.  ❌

Ultimately, this petition and additional fundraiser is about compassion, responsible decision-making and giving Harriet the best possible chance of a future. Her welfare, happiness and quality of life must remain at the heart of every decision. 

How the Funds Raised Will Be Used All funds raised in addition to this petition will go towards supporting Harriet’s welfare and care, both in the short term and, where necessary, her temporary and ongoing long-term care. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Care and accommodation: Supporting Harriet’s immediate, temporary and longer-term care requirements. 
• Veterinary and medical needs: Veterinary assessments, treatment, medication and any other necessary medical expenses. 
• Specialist transportation: 
  Safe and appropriate transportation to veterinary appointments, assessments or suitable alternative placements. 
  Enrichment and welfare: 
  Appropriate enrichment, activities and environmental provisions to support Harriet’s physical and psychological wellbeing. 
• Specialist care: Any additional equipment, resources or professional support required to maintain her welfare. 

The priority is to ensure that Harriet receives the care, attention and appropriate support she needs, while continuing to explore the best possible options for her future.

💡Any funds remaining after Harriet’s necessary care and associated expenses have been met will be made available to GW Ecology Rehabilitation and Rescue, a non-profit organisation, to support its ongoing work helping other animals, wildlife and creatures in need. 🦔 

This means that any additional funds can continue to make a positive difference beyond Harriet, helping other vulnerable animals and wildlife receive support, rehabilitation and care. 🥹

📌 Every donation will be used with the intention of making a positive difference to animal welfare, with Harriet’s needs remaining the first priority.