According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), a staggering 1,344 birds of prey, including majestic golden eagles, have been illegally killed in the UK from 2009 to 2023. The RSPB describes this ongoing tragedy as a “national disgrace,” attributing the majority of these incidents to rogue gamekeepers intent on protecting game stocks like pheasant, partridge, and grouse on shooting estates.
While discussing this issue, a rare witness to an illegal shooting in the Peak District expressed his deep disgust, stating that the killings were “wrong on every level.” This sentiment echoes the growing concern among conservationists.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) maintains that its members have “absolutely zero tolerance” for the illegal shooting of birds of prey. However, the RSPB emphasizes that the reported 1,344 killings likely represent just a fraction of the actual number, as many incidents occur in remote areas where detection is challenging.
One birdwatcher, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, recounted a particularly disturbing experience. He described witnessing a short-eared owl being shot while he was observing it in the Peak District. His shock turned to horror as he shared, “I instantly knew what had happened. At that point, I was in utter… disgusted by what I had seen.”
Despite reporting the incident to the police and assisting in locating the owl’s body, he was dismayed to find that no prosecution followed the shooting, which occurred two years ago. This reflects a broader concern about accountability, as the RSPB notes that three-quarters of individuals prosecuted for killing birds of prey over the past 15 years had connections to shooting estates or were gamekeepers.
The shooting industry argues that it significantly contributes to the UK economy, valued at approximately £3.3 billion annually. Supporters claim that estate owners and land managers play a vital role in conserving wildlife and protecting the countryside. Gareth Dockerty from BASC asserted, “We can provide valuable habitats for a multitude of species, including birds of prey,” emphasizing the conservation efforts made by the shooting sector.
However, the responses from various organizations highlight a divide. A representative from the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation stated that birds of prey are thriving on lands managed for shooting and expressed disappointment at the RSPB’s refusal to collaborate with them for the greater good of all bird species. The Moorland Association, which represents grouse moor estate owners, dismissed the RSPB’s report as “completely disingenuous,” suggesting that the number of birds killed is negligible compared to the overall population.
Despite the legal protections in place for birds of prey, the RSPB pointed out that, out of 62 prosecutions in the last 15 years, only one person has faced jail time. The organization is advocating for the implementation of a licensing system for grouse moor estates, similar to what exists in Scotland. Mark Thomas, head of investigations at the RSPB, explained that such licensing would allow for the revocation of shooting rights on estates where offenses occur.
While the administrations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland assert that strong penalties exist for crimes against birds of prey, they have no immediate plans for new licensing regulations. In the meantime, Thomas urges birdwatchers and countryside enthusiasts to report any illegal activities they witness, stating, “This has to stop. The killing has to stop.”
