Rare Racoon Rescued from Eskdale Farm
`CYRIL' the Coati has been rescued from Eskdale, thanks to RSPCA
inspectors.
It was rescued from a chicken shed, on a farmyard, where it is thought
it might have been dumped.
The animal – which is a member of the racoon family but has a
characteristic long snout – is native to South, Central and parts of
North America.
The species has been widely kept in zoos, animal menageries and
private collections across the UK for years, but was recently taken
off the list of animals for which licences are required .
A member of the public called the Society to report the find on
Tuesday January 22 .
Animal collection officers (ACOs) David Hatton and Nick Green were
charged with collecting it. ACO Hatton said: "This animal was in a
shed, on a farm, miles from anywhere in perfect physical condition.
It's possible that it's an escapee but we've been in touch with all of
the animal collectors we're aware of in the area, and no one has come
forward reporting it missing. It seems unlikely it got there on its own."
After changes to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 schedule came
into force last autumn the RSPCA went public with concerns there could
be a rise in the number of animals, like coatis, being dumped by new
owners, unable to properly care for them. "Obviously we don't know for
sure that's the case here," said ACO Hatton.
Looking after an animal like a coati requires a huge amount of
commitment and specialist knowledge, and under the Animal Welfare Act
which came into force last year, pet owners now have a duty of care to
meet all their welfare needs.
Whitehaven News: 7th February 2008
