Our wildlife is under threat

Published on Saturday 13 October 2012 06:18

RARE birds of prey are being shot, trapped, poisoned and sold for profit in East Sussex.

That is the claim being made by conservation group the RSPB.

Now they are calling on animal lovers to play an active role in helping to protect birds of prey.

Birds of prey are protected by law, yet the latest figures published by the RSPB reveal yet another shameful year of poisoning, shooting and trapping for hen harriers, red kites, buzzards, peregrine falcons and other persecuted species.

In the South East, 40 incidents of wild bird crime were reported to the RSPB Investigations team last year, which accounted for just under 7% of the UK incidents reported in Birdcrime 2011.

These included 21 reported incidents of bird of prey persecution, 2 reports of egg collecting and 11 reports of the taking and sale of wild birds.

Samantha Stokes, speaking for the RSPB in the South East said: “We currently have a once in a lifetime opportunity to tackle these crimes in England and Wales.

“Too little has been done over the years to tackle these sickening attacks, but this could change with proposed reforms of wildlife law and policing.

Continued:  http://www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/news/local-news/our-wildlife-is-under-threat-1-4345388