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Wildlife Casualties

While Langford Vet Practice and Langford Vets Out of Hours Emergency Service are happy to accept wildlife casualties, as per our duty of care under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, we do not have trained specialist knowledge and facilities for them. We therefore advise members of the public to contact dedicated wildlife rescue centres for specific wildlife advice and care.

If you are unable to find alternative advice or care, we are able to assess wildlife causalities and provide first aid treatment based on what we believe to be in their best interests as a wild animal. We will also, where appropriate, seek guidance from other wildlife experts, which may include relocation of the animal to a dedicated wildlife rehabilitation centre.

We would like to make members of the public aware that at the point that a wild animal is handed over to our veterinary team then legitimate possession and decision-making for the welfare of the animal becomes our responsibility. Please be assured that we will act with the best interests of the animal in mind.

As with any emergency service, our work can have peaks and troughs. During peak periods, our primary responsibility is for the companion animal patients already within our care. If we feel that we do not have capacity to provide the most appropriate care for a wildlife casualty, we may ask you to contact an alternate veterinary emergency provider. Please note that we will only do this if deemed absolutely necessary.

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