Hi Steph Hen, I didn't confess to this originally, but I nearly landed myself in quite a sticky situation here with the SSPCA. When Merlin first turned up, I spoke to the CPL about trapping, and they told me that whilst they were willing to help, they wouldn't be able to do anything for at least a couple of months. So, because we were genuinely worried that he was going to injure our pet cats, and because he was spraying all over our incredibly precious hay supplies, I decided we didn't have that long to wait. I therefore welded up my own trap, which is of course a triumph of both luck and over-engineering.
Once I had him caught, I then decided also to call the SSPCA to see if they might be able to help with veterinary treatment. However, the lady on the phone got really angry at me for having "trapped a wild animal that was peacefully going about its business, and should have been left alone". (I was honestly made to feel that I might have been prosecuted if I had told them who I was!).
Anyway, Merlin update of the day: Mrs Womble spent over an hour last night hand feeding him pieces of mackerel and encouraging him to come out of his shell by chasing bits of string and peacock feathers. She even managed to give him a little tickle without losing a hand. Frankly I'm amazed, but also really proud of how patient she's been, and pleased that it's starting to pay off
.