Illegal Raptor Persecution: A Welfare and Legal Crisis

The illegal killing of birds of prey on UK grouse moors continues to cause acute welfare harm and population suppression.

Key Facts

Hen harriers have been functionally extinct as breeding birds in England for most of the past decade
Satellite-tagged raptors disappear at disproportionate rates over grouse moors — statistical evidence of illegal killing
Poisoning, shooting, and nest destruction are the primary methods used
The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust supports satellite tagging that documents persecution evidence
Maximum penalties for wildlife crime have increased but prosecution rates remain very low

Welfare Considerations

Raptor persecution causes acute individual welfare harm — poisoned birds die slowly over hours to days; shot birds suffer traumatic injuries; nest-destruction means chick starvation. At population level, the suppression of hen harrier, peregrine, and golden eagle populations over driven grouse moors represents an ongoing welfare failure sanctioned by inadequate enforcement. The evidence base for organised, deliberate persecution is strong; the response from law enforcement and land management agencies has been inadequate.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor persecution incidents to the police wildlife crime unit and RSPB
Support the Raptor Persecution UK blog and advocacy network
Never purchase grouse shot on moors with documented raptor persecution records
Advocate for vicarious liability for landowners whose staff commit wildlife crimes
Support licence requirements for driven grouse shooting with raptor population conditions