The Springwatch presenter has said he will fight against the persecution of animals in Scotland
TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham has taken on a leading role at a Scottish charity.
Animal welfare campaigns charity OneKind has named the Springwatch star as its patron.
Packham has been a passionate spokesperson for animal rights, and said he will continue to speak out against persecution of animals.
He said: “Wildlife is routinely being persecuted in Scotland. Tens of thousands of wild animals are killed each year in Scotland’s countryside with cruel, outdated and indiscriminate traps. It’s time the Scottish Government puts an end to these wildlife killings, and sends a message that wildlife are not ‘vermin’ or ‘pests’, but sentient animals capable of feeling pain, that deserve our protection and conservation.
“That’s why I’m pleased to have joined Scotland’s leading animal welfare campaigns charity OneKind as patron. OneKind are a great evidence-based charity doing important work not only to end cruelty to Scotland’s wildlife, but also companion and farmed animals. Their successes include helping to bring bans on the use of wild animals in Scottish circuses and the use of snares to kill mountain hares, and encouraging the Scottish Government bringing in compulsory CCTV in Scotland’s slaughterhouses. OneKind effects real change for Scotland’s animals.’’
OneKind chair of trustees, Sara Bannerman, said: “We are delighted to welcome wildlife TV presenter and conservationist, Chris Packham, as a patron of OneKind. Well-known for fronting popular wildlife TV shows, such as BBC Springwatch, Chris is a great ambassador for wildlife and has taken an active role in promoting our animal welfare campaigns to his many supporters.”
OneKind director Bob Elliot said: “Chris Packham has continuously fought for conservation and animal welfare. I’m incredibly pleased that Chris is joining us and will be supporting our animal welfare campaigns to help end cruelty to Scotland’s animals.”
