RSPB calls for more protection for birds of prey as report reveals 36 cases of persecution in Wales

RSPB Cymru is asking for more focus to be given to protecting Welsh wildlife

Birds of prey continue to be persecuted in alarming numbers according to a new report by the RSPB.
 

The RSPB’s Birdcrime 2015 report showed a total of 41 incidents of wild bird crime were reported in Wales in 2015. 

There were 36 reported incidents of bird of prey persecutions – which include shootings, trappings and poisonings.

RSPB Cymru’s biodiversity manager, Stephen Bladwell, said: “Wales’ wild bird crime incidents remain significantly lower compared to the rest of the UK, with there being 41 reported incidents, which stand at just under 8% of the UK total. But one death is one too many. 

“However, we’d like to praise the work our law enforcement officers put in across Wales, which include the Police Rural Crime Teams who continue to work vigorously with statutory agencies, non-government organisations and the public to stop wild bird persecution.”

Among the confirmed or suspected cases of bird of prey persecutions in 2015 was a buzzard shot in Ceredigion, a barn owl shot in Powys and a poisoned rabbit being left out in Denbighshire.

RSPB Cymru is asking for more focus to be given to protecting Welsh wildlife in keeping with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 which commits the Welsh Government and public bodies to leaving a better quality environment for future generations.

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