Rare birds of prey being shot, trapped and poisoned in crimes ‘linked’ to gamebird estate shoots
A report by the RSPB reveals that over 920 illegal cases of bird of prey persecution occurred in the UK from 2015 to 2024, with many linked to the gamebird shooting industry. The report highlights that buzzards were the most affected species, with 319 confirmed cases. The RSPB is calling for a licensing system for gamebird shooting to better protect these birds.
- ▪More than 920 illegal cases of bird of prey persecution were recorded in the UK from 2015 to 2024.
- ▪55 percent of these cases were linked to land managed for gamebird shooting.
- ▪The RSPB estimates that the actual number of crimes is much higher than reported.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NewsUKCrimeRare birds of prey being shot, trapped and poisoned in crimes ‘linked’ to gamebird estate shootsMore than 920 illegal cases recorded in a decade – but RSPB says true number much higher and calls for licensing systemJane Dalton Wednesday 27 May 2026 00:30 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2983850","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/bird-of-prey-rspb-raptor-persecution-crime-b2983850.html","title":"Birds of prey being shot, trapped and poisoned in crimes linked to gamebird shoots"}}open image in…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Independent.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Independent
