Teesmouth Bird Club

I think this is a step in the right direction, if you do then please sign the petition.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/46473

exellent ,if i was in government i would bring back hanging .

Signed.

Signed.

signed

signed

Signed by me too

Signed and posted a link to Facebook.

Is it ok if I share this?

Shame it's not a ban on all shoots but I agree it is a step in the right direction.

The unlawful persecution of raptors is, of course, an absolute disgrace but, please remember... without grouse shooting there'd be no moorland heather habitat.. no grouse and no raptors.  Just endless upland sheep farms!

Stew.

Signed

Signed. Positive action on raptor persecution is long overdue.

Signed - Could also do with a heavy fine for the landowners

Quote from: StewH on March 04, 2013, 11:50:41 PM
The unlawful persecution of raptors is, of course, an absolute disgrace but, please remember... without grouse shooting there'd be no moorland heather habitat.. no grouse and no raptors.  Just endless upland sheep farms!

Stew.

Hang on Stew, ( although I'll know you'll put me in my place!), You're saying that the persecution of raptors is a disgrace, but without the habitat there'll be no raptors. so it's a no win situation either way surely for birds of prey?.

That's the whole dilemma with hunting Keith.  The gamekeepers maintain fantastic habitat, such as heather moorland for grouse, patchwork woodland for pheasants (and previously foxes) and even rich grassland for partridges.  As wildlife enthusiasts we all benefit greatly from their efforts, as does the entire ecosystem - an even more important factor.

Unfortunately, there still exists the philosophy of persecution of raptors and other 'menaces' in an effort to maximise hunting profits for their lords and masters.

What is needed, in my humble opinion, is education.  Until landowners and their gamekeepers accept the theory of a natural balance, where predator numbers are controlled purely by prey availability, we will continue to see the mindless persecution of our wonderful raptors - a very sad state indeed!

Things are improving with generational changes.  I know of 'land workers' who are very proud (and secretive) of their breeding Merlins on moors near to us and this will hopefully become the norm.

Trouble with taking punitive actions which make hunting a less profitable form of farming (for thats what keeping grouse moors is) is that the owners may look for alternatives, like upland sheep farming or endless fields of rape....

The whole thing saddens me!