Report reveals 68 confirmed incidents of raptor persecution in 2017
The RSPB has reissued its call to the government to take tougher action on illegal bird of prey persecution in the UK.
The call comes in response to the RSPB’s latest Birdcrime report, which reveals that shooting has become the main method of targeting birds of prey, otherwise known as raptors.
In 2017 there were 68 confirmed incidents of raptor persecution, but only four prosecutions relating to raptor crime. Of those, only one resulted in a conviction.
The victims included rare species such as peregrine falcons, hen harriers and marsh harriers, as well as more common species such as buzzards.
“We should all be able to enjoy seeing these magnificent birds, however illegal activity continues to put species at risk,” said Martin Harper, RSPB conservation director.
“There are laws in place to protect these birds but they are clearly not being respected or adequately enforced. We need governments across the UK to do more to tackle illegal killing to protect our raptors for us and for future generations to enjoy.”
For a full copy of the report, together with a map detailing where raptor persecutions have occurred, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdcrime
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
