Britain's protected birds of prey still being shot, trapped and poisoned, says RSPB
Summary
Rare birds of prey in Britain are still being illegally killed despite legal protections. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reports hundreds of attacks on these birds, often linked to land used for game shooting, and calls for stricter licensing of shooting estates to prevent this.Key Facts
- The RSPB found 921 confirmed attacks on protected birds of prey in Britain from 2015 to 2024.
- More than half of these attacks happened on or near land used for game shooting.
- Birds like eagles, red kites, peregrine falcons, hen harriers, goshawks, and barn owls are targeted.
- The RSPB uses strong evidence such as forensic data, eyewitness accounts, and video to confirm attacks.
- Investigations by the RSPB have helped convict people involved in killing protected birds, including cases where birds were trapped and beaten.
- The RSPB wants gamebird shooting in England and Wales to be licensed to better control and punish illegal killing of birds.
- Shooting groups deny widespread illegal killing and oppose licensing, saying it would unfairly punish responsible estates.
- The government has not yet approved licensing but is open to working with the shooting community on more protections.
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