Farmers, landowners and
gamekeepers could face tougher penalties for killing wild birds after an RSPB
report found nearly 200 birds were illegally killed in just one year.
The charity published its Birdcrime
2015 report on Friday (3 February) which showed 196 birds of prey were
illegally shot, poisoned or trapped in the countryside in 2015 – up from 187 in
2014 and 178 in 2013.
The shootings included 16
buzzards, 11 peregrines, three red kites, one red-footed falcon and one hen
harrier.
Fifty reports were of wildlife
poisoning and pesticide-related offences, including the poisoning of 15
buzzards, four red kites and three peregrine falcons.
In November 2015, the Stody
Estate in Norfolk lost 75% of its single farm payment after its former
gamekeeper was found guilty of killing 11 birds of prey (see ‘Estate sees
subsidy slashed’, below).
In January 2015, an Aberdeenshire
gamekeeper, George Mutch, received a four-month 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.
Martin Harper, RSPB director
of conservation, said: “Our uplands are deprived of some amazing wildlife
because of ongoing illegal persecution and it has to stop.
“Public anger is growing stronger
over the ongoing persecution of our birds of prey and the state of the uplands,
and more voices are beginning to call for change.
“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.”
In England and Wales, anyone
found guilty of shooting a bird of prey without a licence licence could face up
to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000 if found guilty under the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
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