An illegally shot buzzard found dead in Perthshire in May 2024 is the latest in a spree of cruel wildlife crimes in Scotland, highlighting concerns that new laws are not effectively curbing such atrocities, campaigners have warned. The protected bird of prey suffered “significant unnecessary suffering” after succumbing to a shotgun wound near an estate in Perthshire in mid-May. Post-mortem analysis revealed that the shotgun blast led to a fracture of the lower leg bone, causing the buzzard to die slowly due to the leg wound and subsequent infection. This incident occurred shortly after the passing of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Act 2024 by MSPs in March. The legislation aimed to regulate grouse moors and prevent rogue gamekeepers from targeting birds of prey to bolster gamebird populations for shooting on estates.
The League Against Cruel Sports and Raptor Persecution UK have emphasised that the killing of this buzzard is just one in a series of appalling crimes against raptors recently unveiled. In July, a dead golden eagle with body parts removed was discovered near Loch Rusky in Stirling. Furthermore, in April, a red kite was found poisoned with the banned pesticide Carbofuran in Sutherland, a lethal substance that poses risks to people, pets and wildlife. The buzzard was found on its back with wings outstretched near the Glenturret Estate boundary in rural Perthshire by a field officer conducting research on grouse moor management. Despite police concluding their investigation without filing charges, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about wildlife crimes.
Robbie Marsland, Scotland director for the anti-blood sports group, questioned the motives behind such acts of cruelty, suggesting that the shooting was intended to increase the number of grouse for shooting rather than appreciating the beauty of these creatures. Dr Ruth Tingay from Raptor Persecution UK highlighted the need for effective enforcement of legislation to combat the illegal killing of birds of prey. The persistent targeting of raptors led to the introduction of a grouse moor licensing scheme earlier in the year by the Scottish Parliament.
The troubling trend of wildlife crimes will be a focal point for discussion at the REVIVE conference in Perth, where wildlife protection measures will be under scrutiny. The Scottish Government has reiterated its commitment to combating wildlife crime and ensuring the sustainable management of grouse moors. The spate of recent incidents involving the shooting and poisoning of protected birds of prey underscores the urgent need for robust enforcement of laws to safeguard Scotland’s wildlife.
In conclusion, the illegal shooting of the buzzard in Perthshire is a tragic example of ongoing wildlife crimes that persist despite legislative efforts. The plight of these magnificent birds of prey serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in protecting Scotland’s wildlife from senseless acts of violence. Efforts to address wildlife crime require collaborative action from authorities, campaigners, and the public to ensure the preservation of Scotland’s rich biodiversity for future generations.