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A catalogue of shame

Last modified: 10 September 2007

Poisoned red kite
Poisoned red kite - (RSPB, Ref: 1011263)

RSPB Scotland's latest report into the persecution of birds of prey in 2006 reveals a host of shocking crimes against some of our most majestic birds.

A total of 42 confirmed incidents of pesticide and poison abuse were reported and independently corroborated by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency. This makes 2006 the worst year for bird of prey poisoning for 25 years.

Several pieces of scientific research confirm the strong spatial link between these crimes and upland sporting estates, suggesting that the shooting industry and their representative bodies still have much work to do to stop these illegal acts which undermine the work of responsible estate owners.

In addition, a further 85 reports of bird of prey persecution other than poisoning, including acts such as shooting, nest destruction and the illegal use of cage or spring traps, were received by RSPB Scotland in 2006. Of these 13 were confirmed by veterinary examination and 24 were classed as probable persecution cases. 

The new Scottish Government has recently expressed its strong support for stamping out raptor persecution in the Scottish countryside. 

RSPB Scotland is calling for the following action to be taken: 

  • At least one full time serving Wildlife Crime Officer for each police force in Scotland, and standardised training in wildlife crime legislation and procedures across Scotland
  • Better resources be given to environmental procurators fiscal to enable them to more effectively prosecute such crimes
  • Full use of the penalties available to the courts. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, for killing an eagle is 6 months imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine under the Wildlife and Countryside act (amended by the Criminal Justice Scotland Act 2003). To date no-one has been jailed for an offence against wild birds other than egg collecting, or fined the maximum
  • The Scottish government to further review these penalties, and seek ways of making landowners more responsible for the actions of their employees
  • A review of chemicals currently on the proscribed list introduced by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, to make sure that it covers all the latest poisons and agricultural pesticides that are being abused in poisoning cases
  • Making incidents of wildlife crime 'recordable' by the police elevating them to the category of 'serious crimes'. This will improve the gathering of statistics on the extent of wildlife crime by the statutory agencies.

'some in the community are still carrying out illegal acts designed to kill predators, even though they are fully aware that this is illegal'

Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management at RSPB Scotland, said: 'Many of our birds of prey - golden eagles, red kites and hen harriers - were pushed to or over the brink to extinction by human persecution in Victorian times, linked with the fashion for game preservation. The red kite, white tailed eagle, osprey and goshawk, were eliminated completely from Scotland's skies.

'Thanks to conservation efforts and the support of the public many have now been returned. However, some in the community are still carrying out illegal acts designed to kill predators, even though they are fully aware that this is illegal, poses a very real risk to public health and livestock, and has a serious impact on some of our most magnificent birds of prey.

'It is a matter of great shame that in the 21st century such problems are so widespread in certain parts of Scotland.

'It is important to remember that the detection of these crimes is very difficult as they occur in remote areas and difficult terrain, so the figures in this report are likely to represent just the tip of a much larger iceberg. We welcome the recent announcement by the Environment Minister Michael Russell that the government intends to crack down on this illegal activity.'

What can I do?

Birds of prey continue to be killed mercilessly, despite the fact that it is illegal and has been for decades. Please add your name to our online pledge and say 'the killing must stop'.

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Persecution 2006 (728Kb)
A review of bird of prey persecution in Scotland in 2006