MLAs from the Assembly’s Environment Committee took the time to sign an RSPB pledge condemning the persecution of Northern Ireland’s birds of prey.
MLAs from all of the main parties have signalled their support for an RSPB campaign, which calls for an end to the illegal killing of these birds.
Speaking today, RSPB NI Director Aidan Lonergan said:
“Political support from the Assembly’s Environment Committee is extremely important. Their support sends out the message that Northern Ireland’s birds of prey are a fantastic asset to our natural heritage and culture, and must be protected. Only a very tiny minority of people are involved in the illegal persecution of birds of prey, yet there are enough of these individuals to seriously affect current and future populations of species such as hen harriers and red kites.
“Whilst instances of bird of prey persecution are not as marked as in England, Scotland or Wales, this is still a significant problem in Northern Ireland. Just months after the historic release of 27 red kites into the hills of South Down, one of the birds was found killed, as a result of being shot. The RSPB also receives regular allegations of buzzard persecution.
“The RSPB welcomes the commitment from the Environment Minister that custodial sentences are a viable option for the courts against those who commit the most serious wildlife crime. The message needs to be sent out that there can be no hiding place for those who engage in these medieval practices.
“In February of this year, we invited MLAs from the Environment Committee to see our Red Kite Project at firsthand in South Down. We explained the positive public response to the project and the potential for boosting local economies. We also impressed upon them the need for the recovery and restoration of Northern Ireland’s bird of prey populations and of their importance to the local environment and local communities.”