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I had a voicemail from a friend this morning. He’d found an injured white pigeon in his garden and called the animal ambulance, but was told they wouldn’t come unless he’d caught the bird. I contacted him and asked if he’d managed. Apparently not; the bird had wandered off.
The advice given to my friend makes sense because turning up on location to find there’s no animal is a waste of resources. But on the other hand, I’ve been on call-outs to lay a trap for a cat, and on many for injured ducks and geese wild in the waterways – and unable to be caught. Ah yes, and another (uncaptured) goose on a roof who flew away as soon as I got a ladder in place.
So many call-outs where there’s no guarantee of picking up an animal. Why is it different for a bird?
Is it because birds and (other small animals) are seen as worth less than bigger birds or mammals? The conversation has certainly been held regarding the value of making an expensive or time consuming trip to rescue a baby mouse. I’ve advocated in previous posts about putting animal welfare before diesel costs and personal time and (in)convenience. So should I stand up and make a noise about this?
“Better to light one candle than curse the darkness” – John Crowley
…but not if you’re in dark room full of explosive material – which is how I feel as a socially sensitive expat recovering from a burnout. Or am I selfishly upset because it means my bird ‘rescues’ are doomed to be nothing more than picking up a shoebox with a bird inside and bringing it to the rescue centre? Or is that an excuse for my cowardice in facing a roomful of loud, pragmatic Dutchies?
Think I’ll ask the centralist when I’m next in.
Update! 🙂
