RSPB claims big lockdown rise in raptor persecution

Shooting groups hit back hard as charity highlights 56 alleged incidents, most of which it claims were near sporting estates

Shooting organisations have hit back angrily at RSPB claims that the illegal persecution of birds of prey has spiked during lockdown.

In a blog that was widely reported in national newspapers, the charity claimed that, “It is clear that criminals on some sporting estates, both in the uplands and lowlands, have used the wider closure of the countryside as an opportunity to ramp up their efforts to kill birds of prey.”

The charity published a table of 56 incidents, which it claimed provided evidence to support the claim. However the table only showed 16 confirmed incidents with the remainder being recorded as ‘suspected’ or ‘other’.

It even included four cases in which no dead bird was found. It also did not give the numbers of dead raptors found for the same period in previous years to allow a comparison to be made.

The blog alleged that “the majority of incidents have been on or close to sporting estates managed for gamebird shooting”, but it offered no definition of what ‘close to’ meant.

Predictably the blog attempted to place a large share of the blame on grouse shooting, claiming that, “In Scotland, the police are following up several raptor persecution cases and multiple reports of illegal trap use on grouse moors.”

Responding to the report, a BASC spokesperson said: “BASC condemns any illegal activity. Those who believe that they are above the law are not welcome in our community. Thinly veiled political attacks on shooting are also unwelcome.

“Raptor numbers overall are increasing, and with particular success stories such as buzzards and red kites, this is welcomed by conservationists and shooters alike.

“At this vital time of year gamekeepers are undertaking many essential roles for the benefit of wildlife and the wider public. Work undertaken includes protecting our rarest breeding species, fighting against wildfires and conserving our countryside.”

Retired gamekeeper Bert Burnett, a regular commentator on social media, also hit back at the RSPB claims. He said:

“No one wants to see any escalation in wildlife crime for any reason but before statements like this are pushed onto the public there needs to be some basis for all this, not just alleged accusations from unverified sources. Too often, even before lockdown, we have seen these spurious accusations being debunked at a later date.”

“Those who believe they are above the law are not welcome in our community”

Pheasant

13% Partridge

Pigeon

30% Mallard

According to the RSPB blog, at least 10 buzzards have been shot