Name and shame rare bird killers, says MSP
LANDOWNERS and gamekeepers who kill Scotland's rare birds of prey to protect livestock should be "named and shamed" by the government, an MSP said today.
Labour's Sarah Boyack said reducing incidents of wild raptors being shot and poisoned was "a matter of urgency".
Deliberate killing of birds such as sea eagles, buzzards, red kites and hen harriers have reached "unacceptably high" levels, says an RSPB report published last month. The year-long study found 28 cases of pesticides being used to illegally kill or threaten birds of prey in 2008. Another four cases involved the suspected illegal use of pesticides.
Forty-two poisoned baits, also illegal, were found. The killings were concentrated in east coast areas given over to grouse and pheasant rearing.
Boyack, shadow secretary for rural affairs, said authorities had to act against "unscrupulous" estates. "If foul play is involved then they should be named and shamed," she said.
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Weather for Edinburgh
Thursday 24 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
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