Birdcrime report shows 196 birds of prey were killed in 2015 in UK's rural areas
An RSPB Birdcrime report published this week has revealed that birds native to Britain were shot, poisoned and stolen from nests during 2015.
196 birds of prey were illegally killed in 2015. Farmers, landowners and gamekeepers could now face tougher penalties for killing these birds.
North Yorkshire has the worst record for crimes against birds of prey in the country, according to the report.
RSPB officers investigating the shooting of two owls discovered near Selset Reservoir, near Middleton-in-Teesdale in October 2015 were condemned as “disgraceful”.
The report also highlighted an incident in November last year when news emerged that a satellite tagged hen harrier, named Rowan, was found dead with injuries consistent with being shot in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
'Magnificent creatures'
Martin Harper, RSPB Director of Conservation, said: “Our birds of prey are magnificent creatures and the sight of a hen harrier’s dramatic skydancing display flight is simply breathtaking.
“Everyone should be able to witness this but sadly millions of people are denied this opportunity. Our uplands are deprived of some amazing wildlife because of ongoing illegal persecution and it has to stop.”
“There is growing public support to reform driven grouse shooting. People care deeply about the future of our birds of prey and their concerns must not be ignored.
“The status quo is not an option and we continue to call, throughout the UK, for the introduction of a robust licensing system for driven grouse shooting and an offence of vicarious liability for employers whose staff commit wildlife crime. Change is essential if we are to improve environmental condition of our uplands.”
Four month prison sentence
For the first time in January 2015, an Aberdeenshire gamekeeper, George Mutch, received a four months prison sentence for the killing of a goshawk, the illegal use of two cage traps, and the taking of a buzzard and a second goshawk.
Bob Elliot, RSPB Head of Investigations, said: “This sentence shows that people who continue to break the law and kill protected species face the prospect of prison.
“The gamebird shooting community needs to demonstrate that its activities are sustainable and don’t rely on the illegal killing of birds of prey.
“And our governments need to demonstrate a strong commitment to enforcing wildlife laws and to making sporting estates more accountable for what takes place on their land.”
