Shooting Times & Country Magazine
DOG THEFT HOPE
happy to assist in lengthening the NHS queue for cancer treatment but rest assured they’ll do their utmost to save us from the deadly toxic oven-ready pheasant. Anthony Fisher, by email
I was delighted to see on the television news that Nottinghamshire Police is taking dog theft seriously (News, 24 March). The country’s first dedicated dog theft officer, Chief Inspector Amy Styles-jones (right), has vowed to reduce the heartache felt by families who have lost their pets. A brilliant and proactive move that I am sure the lucky dog owners of Nottinghamshire will welcome with open arms.
As Nottinghamshire is now addressing this disturbing and life-destroying crime, should all we readers write to our local constabularies and urge them to follow the leadership of Nottinghamshire Police?
I am aware how stretched our police forces already are, but surely there is something we can do to invest in the security and the message
and the ability to work as a team that all newcomers need if they are to flourish and be the future of the industry (Where did all the young keepers go?, 10 March).
However, I also feel that when it comes to trainees it is very much a two-way street. Keepers have a responsibility to encourage their trainees and make them want to be successful. This brings me to my second point and my own experience of seeing how gamekeepers value trainees.
My son left school some 15 years ago with huge ambitions of becoming a professional gamekeeper. He was equipped with such passion and enthusiasm for keepering that I wish my own students had for their industry. After securing a gamekeeping apprenticeship with a local estate, he was even keener. Unfortunately, over the sent to seasoned criminals who clearly make money from this hideous crime. I am sure all responsible dog owners would be happy to financially support such a scheme.
Perhaps it’s time to have another look at the long-gone dog licence, if funds were used to prevent and investigate such devastating crime. Nick Rawlins, Leicestershire
subsequent three years or so I had to stand back and watch his incredible dedication and passion be totally destroyed by experienced keepers who clearly didn’t want to share their knowledge and experiences of the job, nor to help this young person succeed.
I couldn’t understand why these revered people could behave in such an appalling manner. If any of my students were treated in this way, I would have removed them from the situation without a second thought. Thankfully, my son rose above these people and is now enjoying the fruits of his hard work, but if more keepers embraced their protégés rather than trying to wreck their ambitions, perhaps there wouldn’t be such a shortage of good gamekeepers.
Name and address supplied
‘‘The wildlife of today is not ours to dispose of as we please. We have it in trust. We must account for it to those who come after.’’ King George VI