Reports of wildlife crime must deal in fact, not 'gossip'

Your report regarding a dead sea eagle (4 December), appears to be one of the worst examples of anti-gamekeeper propaganda put out by the RSPB and police concerning wildlife crime.

Despite there being no dead bird and the only evidence based on the word of one informer, the police have decided the bird has probably been shot. They talk about an unnamed estate in the Angus Glens. By not naming their suspected estate, they have left the public to make up its own mind, when it is possible none are responsible.

It is well known that sea eagles can travel huge distances in a day. It is quite possible that it may have moved from the suspected area. In this case, the eagle in question was apparently radio-tagged. It may simply be the case that the radio tag ceased to function. We know from past studies that the incidence of failure of radio tags can be high.

If the police and RSPB suspect a specific person, this should be handled in accordance with correct legal procedure and the production of unequivocal evidence, not a broad-brush approach which implicates keepers in general. They should use facts and truth, not speculation and gossip.

ALEX HOGG, Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Arran Road, Perth