Support for bid to safeguard lambs against raven attacks

FARMING WITH reports of many young lambs being lost to raven predation this lambing time, the National Sheep Association

(NSA) is reiterating its support for the decision by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to grant licences to allow raven numbers to be responsibly reduced.

NSA believes licences should also be readily available to other parts of the UK affected by the massive increase in raven numbers, which has come about due to the bird’s protected status allowing populations to grow with little deterrent or control.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “With lambing now finished across the UK, NSA has received reports of very high losses to ravens this year, including flocks in Scotland where 50 to 100 lambs have been killed.

“Ravens target lambs in vulnerable moments, even striking the very moments they are born, and the loss of a tongue or an eye is a terrible way for these young animals to die.”

Mr Stocker added: “Responsible culling under licence will allow farmers to keep on top of numbers and protect stock when they are at their most defenceless.”

SNH has come under a lot of criticism for its decision and NSA Scottish regional chairman John Fyall has spoken out in defence of the issue.

He said: “I support the process and decision to issue these licences, and condemn the personal attacks that have been made on SNH chief executive Mike Cantlay.

“It is an emotive issue for campaigners, but nothing is as emotive as seeing a newborn lamb trying to find a teat to feed from its mother with no tongue and no eyes.”

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 11 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 237p per kg and an average of 219p.

In the rough ring 28 beef cows averaged 131p and 24 dairy cows levelled at117p.

The firm also sold 206 prime hoggs to a top of £107 per head and 248p per kg to average 229p (-14.2p on the week), while 142 prime lambs peaked at £122 and

267p to level at 250p (-61.2p).

A modest show of 187 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £131.50 for Texels and average £76, while light/export-type ewes peaked at £84.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £56.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 261 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of

£104 and 243.9p to average 190.8p (-42.3p), while 125 prime lambs peaked at £136 and

282.9p to level at £110 and 246.6p (-29.8p).

There were also 86 heavy cast ewes that sold to £138 for Texels and averaged £88.40, while 75 light ewes peaked at £73.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £62.78.