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.
- Family mourn death of Glasgow ‘fight’ schoolboy
- Rangers takeover: Duff & Phelps threaten legal action against BBC
- Today’s youth not fit to be employed, says car firm Arnold Clark
- Rangers administration: Fans fear Duff & Phelps claims could scare off Green
- Rangers takeover: triple penalty punishment enough, says Johnston
- Alistair Darling leads ‘No to independence’ fight over tea and biscuits
- Scottish independence: SNP flip-flops over Nato
- Scottish Independence: SNP ‘won’t be Yes campaign’s only voice’
- Scottish independence: Alex Salmond’s pledge to sign up 1m voters
- Today’s youth not fit to be employed, says car firm Arnold Clark
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Edinburgh
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east

