Home / Environment / Yorkshire Dales: Birds of Prey Face Illegal Killings
Yorkshire Dales: Birds of Prey Face Illegal Killings
23 Mar
Summary
- Campaigners petition for tougher penalties for killing birds of prey.
- Over 1,300 protected birds were killed between 2009 and 2024.
- New licensing for gamebird shooting industry welcomed by campaigners.
A surge in illegal killings has prompted campaigners in the Yorkshire Dales to call for improved protections for birds of prey. The Friends of the Dales charity is urging the government to implement more severe penalties, including custodial sentences, for those convicted of such crimes. Evidence suggests over 1,300 protected birds were illegally killed between 2009 and 2024.
Executive director Ann Shadrake highlighted that these offenses occur in remote areas, making prosecution difficult. The organization has welcomed recent government plans to introduce licensing for the gamebird shooting industry. This move aims to curb illegal activities like shooting, trapping, and poisoning birds of prey, which have been illegal since 1981.
The proposed Land Use Framework for England includes measures for licensing recreational gamebird shooting and release. While welcomed by conservationists, some in the shooting industry emphasize the need for evidence-based restrictions. The campaign also advocates for a national wildlife crime database to better coordinate conservation efforts and law enforcement.
