Gamekeeper's cheek

I was absolutely staggered to read comments by Alex Hogg, chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, in your report regarding the poisoning of a golden eagle in the Borders (14 August). To suggest the carcass could have been planted as part of an attempt to smear the shooting industry is ludicrous. Even your reporter, Ian Johnston, described these allegations as "extraordinary".

The recent case is sickening, but Mr Hogg's attitude is extremely unhelpful. His remarks suggest he does not trust the police to follow correct protocol when disposing of poisoned birds.

Crimes against wildlife, particularly on shooting estates, have become far more frequent and high-profile and it's time the gamekeeping community admitted a small minority are breaking the law instead of maintaining a conspiracy of silence and blaming these incidents on animal rights activists.

It is encouraging that Rhona Brankin, MSP is in support of a strict liability offence for estates where these crimes are committed. Drastic action is long overdue in the commercial shooting industry to force estate owners to clean up their act.

LOUISE ROBERTSON

League Against Cruel Sports

Rosyth, Fife