![]() "It is clear that lockdown has been seen as a green light by those involved in raptor persecution offences to continue committing crimes, presumably in the belief that there are fewer people around to catch them doing so." "I know that there are officers currently investigating a number of crimes against wild birds of prey which have occurred since lockdown began. Mr Lyall said: "Over recent weeks, I have been sickened by the number of raptor persecution cases that have come to my attention as chair of the Raptor Persecution Delivery Group. While the RSPB encouraged the public to report any suspicious incidents, the charity also urged people to observe Government guidelines at all times. ![]() He said spring was the time when such birds were most visible and vulnerable, and the "targeted and malicious" persecution of them was designed to kill them before they had the opportunity to breed. "It is clear that criminals on some sporting estates, both in the uplands and lowlands, have used the wider closure of the countryside as an opportunity to ramp up their efforts to kill birds of prey." Mark Thomas, RSPB head of investigations, said: "Since lockdown began, the RSPB has been overrun with reports of birds of prey being targeted. ![]() The RSPB said police were investigating a number of cases of shootings and suspected poisoning of birds of prey following reports by the public, including on land managed for grouse shooting.Īll birds of prey are protected by law and intentionally killing or injuring one is a criminal offence and could result in an unlimited fine or up to six months in jail. The RSPB's investigations unit has been "overrun" with reports of illegal killings of birds such as hen harriers, peregrines, buzzards and red kites.Īnd Superintendent Nick Lyall, head of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group, said it appeared the coronavirus lockdown had been "seen as a green light" by some to continue illegally killing birds. Wildlife experts and police have raised concerns over the number of reports of birds of prey being illegally killed in recent weeks during lockdown. ![]()
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