The RSPB is calling for some agricultural pesticides to be made illegal, after they have been used to kill birds of prey. The charity wants to see pesticides commonly used to illegally kill wild animals to be subject to strict restrictions, meaning those who own them would have to prove they have a legitimate use for the chemicals. image expired

In the UK, the number of recorded illegal killings of birds of prey has fallen since last year from 153 to 128. However, this year’s incidents include several "very serious" killings, such as the first poisoning in living memory of a golden eagle.

Guy Shorrock, senior investigations officer with the RSPB, said, "Every year we’re having birds shot, trapped and poisoned. This has a very serious impact for some species; the hen harrier is nearly extinct in England as a breeding species, when we have space for over 300 pairs.

"We know from the scientific data that in terms of illegal killings, we are only recording quite literally the tip of the ice berg." He said he knew this because of evidence received in confidence from "people in the shooting community."

Shorrock went on to say that there remains a "sustained, persistent level of persecution" against birds of prey. He explained, "There are big parts of the North of England and large swathes of Scotland where birds of prey, like hen harriers, are simply not tolerated; if you go to the Yorkshire Dales, for example, you will struggle to see a buzzard."

The increased regulation of certain pesticides would, the RSPB claims, reduce the incidences of illegal poisoning. Similar rules were introduced in Scotland in 2005, since then the laws have resulted in 10 convictions.

Shorrock elaborated, "What we’re trying to do is take a series of steps to chip away at the problem. The last government introduced legislation in 2006 aiming to increase accountability for holding pesticides commonly used for poisoning wildlife. This relates to a small number of products which have a history of being used in poisonings. "

He explained that, when a member of the illegal predator control community identifies a useful product, its use spreads. Under the RSPB’s plans, any such product which becomes a problem for killing wildlife could be added to a restricted list.

A Defra spokesperson said the government was considering the laws surrounding the possession of such harmful pesticides. He said, "Many of the substances listed in the report do not have UK approval or have had it revoked, so to own them is actually illegal.

"There are already strict laws in place to stop the persecution of birds of prey and protect them. We will continue to work with the police and conservation bodies to do all we can to crack down on anyone breaking these laws."