I found two baby grey squirrels, alone and motherless. I took them home, bottle-fed them successfully, and they were thriving despite their eyes still being closed. However, when I noticed tiny creatures crawling on them and took them to the vet for treatment, I was denied their return. The only options given were euthanasia or leaving them with the vet until they could be released - a privilege that would have been granted had they been red squirrels.

This is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a wider issue affecting grey squirrels across our country. These animals are often seen as pests due to their non-native status and impact on red squirrel populations (source: UK Wildlife Trusts). However, this should not warrant automatic death sentences for healthy individuals who could live full lives in the wild.

Grey squirrels are sentient beings capable of feeling pain and distress (source: Animal Sentience Journal). They deserve compassion just like any other creature in our care. It's time we reconsidered our policies towards these animals.

We urge regulatory bodies to change current guidelines that mandate euthanizing healthy grey squirrels instead of releasing them back into nature after treatment or rehabilitation. Let's give these creatures a chance at life rather than condemning them due to species bias.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair treatment for all wildlife regardless of species!