RSPB Scotland have released their annual report on the illegal killing of birds of prey. Here is the link to the story and the report itself:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/289659-record-number-of-golden-eagles-among-victims-as-illegal-bird-of-prey-killing-remains-at-high-levels
Four golden eagles, the most recorded in a single year since the RSPB began keeping records, were amongst 29 birds illegally poisoned last year.
Whilst the police wildlife crime officers and the RSPB put a lot of effort to find the perpatrators of such crimes I feel all their hard work is lost when the courts will not impose the heaviest penalies permitted.Until the estate/shoot owners are hit badly for crimes that may be commited on their behalf by gamekeepers whom they employ there is very little chance that these crimes will cease
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Couldn't agree more Pete. Actually this is exactly the same situation as in Malta where the laws exist to stop hunting/shooting birds but the courts will not impose the penalties.
Jenni
God gave us two ears and one mouth for a very good reason!
One thing that I think differs is that in the u.k. it is mainly a few "bad apples" that are commiting these crimes in the name of game conservation in Malta it seems to be everyone who has access to a gun.I have seen videos of Maltese police approaching armed hunters you have to admire them,I do not think our wildlife officers have to face that (at least I hope not)
end of the day its money that counts.
there are a lot of high ranking people involved in shooting, a case of don't rock the boat
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Well Ray that seems to apply in certain parts of our recording area,a sort of black hole for raptors.