Category: 2024 persecution incidents

Gamekeeper in Scotland charged with killing goshawk on a Perthshire estate in February

Press release from Police Scotland (4th March 2024):

Photo: Ruth Tingay

47-year-old man arrested and charged following death of goshawk near Blairgowrie

On Thursday, 29 February, wildlife crime officers acting under warrant searched an estate near Blairgowrie with the assistance of our partners the RSPB and the SSPCA.

This resulted in a 47-year-old man being arrested and charged with killing a goshawk, which is a protected bird, contrary to section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

The incident took place on Monday, 12 February.

Police Scotland Wildlife Crime Coordinator Detective Sergeant David Lynn said:

“Police Scotland will pursue anyone deliberately targeting Scotland wildlife. This multi-agency day of action shows our collective commitment to safeguarding Scotland’s wild animals.”

ENDS

This is an efficiently-handled case by Police Scotland and agency partners SSPCA & RSPB. The time from the alleged offence and the subsequent arrest and charge is unusually short. It’s also good to see an early press statement – well done.

NB: As an individual has been charged this case is considered live so comments have been turned off until criminal proceedings end. Thanks for your understanding.

UPDATE 23 July 2025: Trial date for Scottish gamekeeper accused of killing a Goshawk on a Perthshire shooting estate (here)

UPDATE 17 September 2025: Change of trial date for Scottish gamekeeper accused of killing a goshawk on a Perthshire shooting estate (here)

UPDATE 12 November 2025: Trial of Scottish gamekeeper accused of killing Goshawk now delayed until March 2026 (here)

UPDATE 16 March 2026: Trial due to begin tomorrow for Scottish gamekeeper accused of killing a Goshawk on a Perthshire shooting estate (here)

UPDATE 17 March 2026: Scottish gamekeeper Russell Mason pleads guilty to battering a Goshawk to death on shooting estate in Perthshire (here)

UPDATE 18 March 2026: Convicted Scottish gamekeeper Russell Mason – more disturbing details about this case (here)

UPDATE 23 March 2026: Game-shooting industry’s response to the recent conviction of Perthshire gamekeeper Russell Mason (here)

UPDATE 24 April 2026: Scottish gamekeeper Russell Mason receives derisory sentence for brutal killing of Goshawk (here)

Two red kites found poisoned in Essex – Police seize firearms & ‘other articles’ in raid

Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team has been busy again.

Yesterday, with assistance from other agencies including the National Wildlife Crime Unit and Natural England they searched a farm in the Colchester area after the discovery of two poisoned red kites. Firearms and ‘other articles’ were seized and the investigation is ongoing.

One of two poisoned red kites found. Photo: Essex Police

The county of Essex is becoming a real hotspot for bird of prey persecution.

Other raptor persecution crimes in recent years include the suspected shooting of a peregrine in January 2024 (here), the shooting of a buzzard in December 2023 (here), the shooting of another buzzard in January 2023 (here), the shooting of a red kite in September 2022 (here), the shooting of another red kite in November 2021 (here), another red kite found dead in suspicious circumstances in November 2021 (here), the shooting of another three buzzards in 2020, one in Dec (here), one in September (here) and one in June (here), and the suspected shooting of a Hobby in August 2020 (here).

Peregrine suspected shot in Essex – Police appeal for information

Essex Police are appealing for information after the discovery of an injured peregrine in the Highwood area of Chelmsford on 15th January 2024.

The wounded bird was admitted to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital and on examination is believed to have been shot.

I’ve asked for information about the peregrine’s condition and asked whether an x-ray had confirmed the bird had been shot. I’ll update this post when I hear.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police on Tel 101.

This latest raptor persecution victim is the 9th in Essex in recent years, following the shooting of a buzzard in December 2023 (here), the shooting of another buzzard in January 2023 (here), the shooting of a red kite in September 2022 (here), the shooting of another red kite in November 2021 (here), another red kite found dead in suspicious circumstances in November 2021 (here), the shooting of another three buzzards in 2020, one in Dec (here), one in September (here) and one in June (here), and the suspected shooting of a Hobby in August 2020 (here).