12 Turkeys have been spotted in different locations roaming freely round Sussex Towns and Villages over the past 3 weeks. The last report was of 2 turkeys sat on a wall in Juggs Close, Lewes. 7 Turkeys were seen roaming around Alfriston last week in the Weavers lane area and the week before that 3 turkeys were seen wandering around Glynde village near the recreation ground.
Volunteer rescuers from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service have been called out to all these incidents by numerous local residents spotting them wandering what the unusual visitors are to their gardens.
"I've not know anything like this, getting so many calls about turkeys in different locations like this. I don't think they are farm turkeys are they can all fly and they are either roaming around wild or are pets which have flown out of their enclosure" said Rescue Co-ordinator Trevor Weeks from East Sussex WRAS.
"We have had complaints about the damage they cause in gardens and also people worried about their safety and will they get caught by foxes or hit by cars. We have attended most of the calls we have received but only the ones at Glynde have we managed to catch all the others have flown up into trees when we approach them" added Trevor.
WRAS is unsure whether a well meaning turkey lover is dumping them or letting them going or why they is suddenly such a spate of turkeys running loose. "I secretly hope that these were purchased before Christmas and then they owners turned vegetarian and couldn't eat them, but it would be a shame if they were injured by a car as a result of them escaping or being released" said Trevor.
WRAS is urging people to ensure their enclosures are secure and that their turkeys and other domestic or agricultural animals are safe and cannot escape. "If one of these birds cause an accident the owner would be liable for the damage caused not to speak of the suffering the bird would go through." Said Trevor, "if you do not want your turkeys any more contact one of the animal sanctuaries across Sussex to find a new home for them."
- END -
Press Contact: Trevor Weeks, Director, East Sussex WRAS, 07931 523958
Share this!
