Wildlife Welfare: Raptor Persecution and Illegal Killing

Illegal killing of birds of prey including hen harriers, red kites and peregrine falcons continues in the UK, causing individual welfare harm and threatening recovered populations.

Key Facts

Hen harrier breeding numbers in England are severely depleted due to illegal persecution on grouse moors
Red kites, successfully reintroduced, continue to be poisoned in some areas
Peregrine falcon nest sites are robbed and adults killed to protect racing pigeon lofts
Poisoning using banned pesticides including carbofuran causes prolonged, agonising death
The RSPB's Birdcrime reports annually on raptor persecution incidents and prosecutions

Welfare Considerations

Raptor persecution causes intense suffering through poisoning, trapping and shooting. Poisoning deaths from secondary poisoning (eating poisoned prey or rodenticide-contaminated animals) are particularly painful and prolonged. Persecution disproportionately targets recovering populations, making each loss more significant for conservation. Strengthening wildlife crime prosecution and making licensing conditional on persecution cessation are key welfare-protective policy interventions.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected raptor persecution to the police and RSPB
Support campaigns for vicarious liability legislation for raptor persecution on sporting estates
Donate to RSPB and other organisations investigating wildlife crime
Learn to identify common birds of prey and their nesting seasons