Wildlife

Wild Peregrine Persecution Welfare Response

Illegal persecution of peregrines continues in UK raptor territories with welfare and conservation consequences requiring enforcement response.

Key Facts

Peregrines are persecuted primarily by gamekeepers protecting driven grouse moor interests
Persecution methods include shooting, poisoning, and nest destruction causing acute welfare harm
Wildlife crime against raptors is systematically underreported and underdetected
RSPB investigations have uncovered widespread illegal killing on grouse moors

Welfare Considerations

Peregrines killed through shooting or poisoning suffer acute traumatic injury or painful death. Nest destruction kills eggs and chicks causing preventable mortality. Persecution represents deliberate, illegal welfare harm at significant scale. Effective enforcement is essential to protect individual welfare and population recovery.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor persecution to RSPB Wildlife Crime team and police
Support RSPB Investigations work tackling illegal raptor killing
Advocate for stronger sanctions and better enforcement for wildlife crime