On 20th September, 'The Times' published a report on the prosecution of a gamekeeper in Shropshire, for killing birds of prey and wild animals on the country estate where he worked. The gamekeeper claimed that he was trying to protect his game birds; the estate charges nearly £10,000 to take part in a shoot. His defence lawyer said: '... In this world of shooting, which is a huge industry, the likes of [the gamekeeper] are used to prepare the shoots. There has to be a set number of birds for those with money to come to these estates and enjoy the kill ...' The gamekeeper was reported to the police by other gamekeepers.
As a result of this case, the RSPB plans to set up a telephone hotline so that gamekeepers and other witnesses can report crimes against birds of prey.
The report has been posted online and you can read it and add your comment online at www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article4791013.ece