Across the Pond

As I've posted here before, many in Britain are dismayed by how the native red squirrel has been forced out of its habitats by the North American grey squirrel.

Yesterday the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) condemned various government-funded efforts to cull grey squirrels as pointless and "ethically dubious."

I have to admit, the large-scale poisoning of grey squirrels does seem like an extreme measure. Perhaps it would be justified if it truly did bring the red squirrels back, but even then I have my doubts about mass killings of these animals. A source interviewed in the article linked to above, that up until the 1970s anyone could get a permit to kill the red squirrels, and that it's just become fashionable now to hate the greys and love the reds.

I really don't know what to think about this. I don't like killing any animals but I do understand the value of preserving native species. Any opinions out there?