The RSPB’s annual Birdcrime 2009 report was published today and shows that 2009 was the second worst year for raptor persecution in the last decade. 
This depressing report shows that there were 384 reported persecution incidents against birds of prey in the UK during 2009, 123 in Scotland, 224 in England, 17 in Wales and 11 in Northern Ireland, 9 incidents could not be allocated to a single country and were recorded at a UK level. Incidents include trapping, shooting, poisoning and nest destruction.
Again the trend showed that most incidents involved game shooting interests with a bias towards the upland grouse moors in Scotland and Northern England where the main victims of persecution are: golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, hen harrier, goshawk, peregrine and red kite.
In the report, the RSPB has made 11 recommendations for government action, so that these appalling crimes can be eradicated. These include the introduction of a “vicarious liability” offence which would make land managers and owners responsible for the actions of their employees.
Despite several successful prosecutions the conviction rate and subsequent sentencing appears pitifully poor and ineffective.
Full RSPB Report – http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/birdcrime_tcm9-260567.pdf
Raptor Persecution UK 