Cornwall Countryside Neighbours in Feud Over ‘Kidnapped’ Beavers

A conservationist claims his neighbours have taken his beavers, sparking a dispute over wildlife ownership in Cornwall

Cornwall Countryside Neighbours in Feud Over ‘Kidnapped’ Beavers
Cornwall Countryside Neighbours in Feud Over ‘Kidnapped’ Beavers

Cornwall: A former Army major is in a dispute with his neighbours. Merlin Hanbury-Tenison claims they have “kidnapped” his beavers. He says they are keeping the animals instead of returning them to him.

Merlin runs a conservation project in Cornwall. He has a license to reintroduce beavers. However, the beavers escaped shortly after being released in 2019. They have escaped multiple times since then.

When the beavers last escaped, Merlin’s neighbour contacted him. He rushed to the location but was stopped at the cattle grid. His neighbour refused to let him onto the land to retrieve the beavers.

In an article, Merlin expressed his confusion. He noted that people usually help him recover the animals. He mentioned that they often chat over tea about the benefits of beavers.

Merlin and his neighbour argued about who owns the beavers. The neighbour insisted Merlin could only retrieve them if he was allowed on the property. This permission was denied.

Merlin explained he is licensed to recapture the beavers. He mentioned that failing to do so could make him a criminal. He pleaded with Natural England not to prosecute him.

His neighbour responded, saying it was a “you” problem. He believes they haven’t kidnapped the beavers. He claims the animals escaped multiple times, which is not illegal.

The neighbour contacted wildlife authorities when the beavers appeared on his land. He was told to leave the animals alone since they are a protected species.

He stated that he didn’t kidnap the beavers. He believes they may not be happy in Merlin’s environment. He thinks they should be left to roam freely.

The neighbour also mentioned that wildlife should remain wild. He doesn’t agree with trapping animals. He believes no one owns wildlife, including beavers.

Spokespersons for the Beaver Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust declined to comment. They stated it’s a matter between the two landowners and Natural England.

Natural England confirmed it issues licenses for beaver enclosures. They monitor compliance and can take action if conditions are breached. Beavers are considered wild animals and are protected under European law.

Merlin has been approached for further comments on the situation.

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