Regards,
Ian.
In reply to Robbo:
In reply to Simon Tucker:
In reply to THOMO:
In reply to Dave - CH:
Dave - CH said:Hello Ian, I would say that the 'Objects' refers uniquely to, well, the Objects, available at www.rspb.org.uk/.../charter-and-statutes-feb-19-and-bye-laws-march-19.pdf. Dave
Ive seen the objects time after time and I’ve just checked again and nothing there suggests that the RSPB have to support one way or another of the questing of shooting game birds for or against and it still appears to be the situation that the RSPB have to be neutral on the question of shooting of gamebirds and the RSPB or it's members can’t automatically change the Royal Charter themselves, as the final decision about any changes has to be from the Privy Council.
Hello Ian,
So, we're fairly clear then what the Objects are then.
To sum up a confusing (to me) discussion, here's what I understand.
The Charter (from one of Robbo's posts): "The Society shall take no part in the question of the killing of game birds and legitimate sport of that character except when such practices have an impact on the Objects".
The Objects (from the RSPB's own website):
'The Objects shall be:
1) To promote the conservationof biological diversity and the natural environment for the public benefit, in particular but not exclusively by:
a. conserving wild birds and other wildlife, and the environment on which they depend;
b. protecting, restoring and re-creating habitats.
And, in furtherance of that primary objective, to raise public understanding and awareness of, and to provide information on, such matters.
2) To advance education of the public in conservation of the natural environment.
From Robbo once more, the RSPB is engaged with the question. It's against a ban and pro-licensing.
Here's what I'd expect (based on the above) in the current circumstances: that, based on the references in the Objects to raising public awareness and understanding, to providing information, and to advancing education of the public, the Society clearly communicates its opposition to the current petition and reiterates its position on licensing.
What Robbo has posted implies, to me at least, they it has done this. What Simon has posted states that it hasn't (deafening silence?)
Personally, I'd review my support of any organisation that didn't, in the current circumstances, engage in some form of explanatory reiteration of its position. Failing to do so would, to my mind, be in contradiction of that organisation's stated Objects, and not what I'd, personally, like to see in anything related to animal welfare.
On a personal note, I hope that anyone who shoots animals for their own pleasure and amusement will one day be diagnosed as mentally ill, and given appropriate treatment (but not before being banned from any contact with animals---and vulnerable or impressionable individuals---for life).
Dave
Dave - CH said:
Not a very nice thing to say or wish about anyone in your very last sentence above. And you don’t know if anyone on this forum suffers from that what you say above, including myself. As I’ve got health problems personally myself,, but I’ll say no more about that.
I agree with your summary post Dave, and to just clarify also my opinion that RSPB has repeatedly (and against my opinion) supported a licensing scheme. It has done so many times. It has had high profile characters disagreeing with that stance. It therefore hasn't been silent in its preference of a licensing scheme rather than ban. I am afraid I can't explain that Charter sentence anymore, Ian. A good compromise is instead of you giving your interpretation of it to contributors (especially new ones), it is better for you to give the actual sentence so anyone wanting to know what it says in the charter, can see it after you provide it. That way, they will get an accurate quote rather than, as I say, one person's interpretation.
To sum up the situation now.....RSPB is in favour of a licensing scheme for driven grouse shooting.......that in itself isn't neutral is it!?!
Simon Tucker