Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Hen Harrier Persecution Welfare

Hen harriers are persecuted on managed grouse moors despite full legal protection - each illegal killing represents individual suffering and conservation loss.

Key Facts

England's hen harrier population is a fraction of its potential - persecution is the primary cause
Breeding success on grouse moors is significantly lower than on unmanaged moorland
Satellite-tagged birds frequently disappear over managed grouse moors
Brood management programmes move some harrier chicks to reduce grouse predation
Legal protection has not prevented ongoing illegal persecution in English uplands

Welfare Considerations

Individual hen harriers subject to illegal persecution face violent death or displacement. Each persecution event causes real individual welfare harm and reduces a population already critically limited by human activity.

What You Can Do

Support the Hen Harrier Life Project and RSPB enforcement work
Advocate for driven grouse shooting reform to remove incentives for harrier persecution
Report suspicious harrier disappearances via satellite tag data to conservation organisations