This illegal killing must stop
Shockingly – despite laws in black and white to protect them – precious birds of prey are being shot, poisoned and trapped. It’s illegal. Immoral. Indefensible. The criminals must be brought to justice. The RSPB investigates raptor persecution every week and works with the police to catch the culprits. Please support this vital work today by becoming a bird of prey defender.
Become a bird of prey defender today
Sadly, we know gamekeepers are often responsible for the killing. Whilst some driven grouse moor estates promote conservation, others support the killing of golden eagles, rare hen harriers and peregrine falcons. We must stop them getting away with it.
The killing is driving threatened species like hen harriers to the brink of extinction in England. It’s simply criminal. We will investigate and do everything we can to bring this to an end. We won’t stop until the killing stops. Together, we will bring life and colour back to the countryside.
Become a bird of prey defender
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Illegal. Immoral. Indefensible.
Find out how Jack Ashton-Booth of the RSPB Investigations team is helping fight bird crime.
Find out how Jack Ashton-Booth of the RSPB Investigations team is helping fight bird crime.
See also
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Short-eared owls shot down
Despite our vigilance, it’s rare for us to catch bird-killers red handed. Yet, in April 2017, on Whernside Moor, that’s exactly what happened. You can help us catch criminals in the act and collect the evidence we need to secure a conviction. See our shocking footage
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Hen harriers disappear
Satellite-tagged hen harriers continue to disappear in suspicious circumstances, many over grouse moors and before adulthood. We urgently need your help to give 2019’s chicks a better chance of survival. Find out what happened
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Peregrine chicks left to die
In 2017, we managed to rescue three peregrine chicks after both parents were found poisoned at a notorious quarry in Shropshire. You can help us monitor problem sites like this and help stop more senseless killing. See our dramatic rescue
Bird crime mapped out
Our interactive bird crime map is the most complete set of known raptor persecution incidents in the UK. Take a look and you could find bird crime is taking place on your doorstop.
It shows where incidents have taken place over the last six years revealing raptor persecution blackspots. By helping us collect vital evidence like this you can help us focus on the areas where birds of prey most need our protection.
See the true scale of bird crime
Become a bird of prey defender today
See the Impact of your gift
So you can see the huge difference your regular gift will make to help stop bird crime, we’ll send you the RSPB’s Impact newsletter twice a year, either by post or email.
“Imagine the skies without birds of prey. They should be untouchable.”
Jack Ashton-Booth
RSPB Birdcrime Investigator
