Raptor persecution must stop now, says BASC chairman

BASC’s chairman has delivered a clear warning of the impact of raptor persecution in an end of season address.

Eoghan Cameron said the illegal killing of birds of prey continues to “rear its ugly head” and that those committing such crimes are doing shooting a “severe disservice”.

His warning comes as BASC joined a group of leading rural organisations in issuing a new joint declaration as a clear signal of their intent to see the end of raptor persecution (https://basc.org.uk/rural-group-issues-raptor-persecution-zero-tolerance-declaration/).

Reflecting on the lowland game season just about to finish (Saturday), Mr Cameron said: “One issue that keeps rearing its ugly head is raptor persecution and it really irritates me, quite frankly. They are doing the rest of us a severe disservice.

“They are prioritising themselves above all others and are sabotaging shooting. I think it’s about time we looked at those who persecute raptors through the same lens as (hunt and shoot) sabs. They’re no better and are handing ammunition to those that would see us stop shooting.

“So, if you know of raptor persecution, if you are doing it, it needs to stop now. Otherwise shooting will suffer.”

The full interview can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU-Qe1foMy0&feature=youtu.be&t=687

ENDS