By Chris Story

Last updated at 11:30, Friday, 05 October 2012

The fatal shooting of a bird of prey in Cumbria was one of a catalogue of killings in a bad year of wildlife crimes.

A tawny owl died after being shot in the back of its head with an airgun pellet at Glasson Moss, near Port Carlisle.

It is one of a string of cases the RSPB believes add weight for calls to changes in wildlife law and policing so that crimes against animals can be given greater priority.

Other confirmed cases of birds of prey being illegally killed in Cumbria during 2011 include the poisoning of a red kite. Another red kite was also shot in the Lake District.

The RSPB today published its annual wildlife crime figures which it says showed cases of poisoning, shooting and trapping for red kites, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, goshawks and other persecuted species.

Cumbria is a haven for many types of the protected species with specialists areas such as the RSPB’s Geltsdale reserve, near Brampton, a frontline in the fight to protect birds, some whose numbers are dangerously low.

Ospreys have also been successfully bred at Bassenthwaite.

The RSPB argues that too little has been done over the years to stop attacks on birds.

But it believes that a review of wildlife protection legislation by the Law Commission – currently being consulted on – is a key chance to address the persecution of birds of prey.

They also hope the creation of a National Crime Agency will provide a further chance to prioritise wildlife crime, and Cumbria is likely to be one of the key battlegrounds in fight against wildlife criminals.

RSPB conservation director Martin Harper said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tackle the illegal shooting and poisoning of some of our most magnificent birds.

“It’s been over a hundred years since poisoning of wild birds was outlawed in the UK and yet our report shows we’re still witnessing the slaughter.”

First published at 11:29, Friday, 05 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk