Shocking year in county for birds of prey

The call follows the news that Sussex was the worst county for wild bird crime in the South East in 2009, with 12 reported offences against birds of prey and a further three against other wild birds.

Birds of prey had been persecuted with incidents of shooting, trapping and poisoning, according to the RSPB’s 20th annual Birdcrime report.

With 384 reported incidents of crimes against birds of prey in the UK, 2009 was the second worst year in the last decade.

Sophie McCallum, RSPB South East media officer, said: “Although the South East has a relatively low incident rate, any wildlife crime is unacceptable.

She added: “ But thanks to conservation efforts we have seen birds of prey, such as red kites and buzzards, increasing in numbers in the region. We are also fortunate to have peregrine falcons such as the pair that has bred on Chichester Cathedral and raised 34 young over the last 10 years. As we see the return of these birds, we need to ensure that they have the necessary protection from persecution.

“Earlier this year the former Wildlife Minister – Huw Irranca-Davies – was one of more than 210,000 people to sign a pledge to protect birds of prey. This is a powerful voice and we will not rest until their cries have been heard by government.”

Non-bird of prey incidents recorded by RSPB included an egg collecting incident and reports of the taking and sale of wild birds.

In the report, the RSPB has identified two key recommendations for government action to help address continued persecution of birds of prey. It has called for funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit to be protected in the forthcoming government spending review and also wants a full review of arrangements for tackling wildlife crime.

Chief Inspector Martin Simms of Sussex Police said: “The protection offered to birds of prey by the law is clear and the police will enforce that legislation.”