RURAL CRIME ACTION SITE

RURAL CRIME ACTION WEEK

I was alerted to this article by Raptor Persecution and it can be read in full on either site.

At the start of National Rural Crime Action Week (18-24 September), we have launched a campaign across North Yorkshire appealing for people to speak up with anonymous information about the illegal killings of birds of prey. 
 
All wild birds, their nests, and their eggs are protected by law. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take wild birds and offences can carry a prison sentence of up to six months.
 
Species such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, buzzards, red kites and hen harriers are shot, poisoned and illegally trapped, with their nests and eggs frequently being disturbed.
CROME
As well as being incredibly cruel to the birds, many of which are increasingly rare in the wild, the spring traps used present a danger to people, and the poisons deployed can be dangerous even in very small amounts to humans as they can be absorbed through the skin.
 
Signs to spot:

• Dead birds of prey lying next to dead pigeons, rabbits, pheasants or other potentially poisoned baits. It is important not to touch anything.
• Live birds of prey caught in a trap.
• Spring traps set out in the open that are not within a cage tunnel or other enclosed tunnel structure.
• Any spring traps set out on top of a post – known as ‘pole traps.