As the petition to overhaul Natural England continues to garner more and more signatures, I thought I'd use this update to review our progress to date, to examine the influence we have had both on public awareness and official policy, and to consider how best to roll out the next stage of the campaign.
Unsettling Natural England.... Back in the autumn of 2018, I noticed increasing interest from the media as support for the petition grew. The campaign had previously focused on saving one bird, the iconic Raven, from the bloodied hands of Natural England and I had already had some press coverage at a local level from those counties affected by the potential culling of this species. But now, with my revelations that Natural England had been issuing licences to kill more than sixty five other species too - many of conservation concern - the campaign really began to take off. Soon we had 100,000 signatures demanding an end to the killing and the media were clearly amazed at the remarkable amount of support. By the close of 2018, Natural England themselves were becoming unsettled, even alarmed, by the level of public outrage, and calls for a thorough examination and investigation into their activities were being widely shared across social media. Natural England issued some dreary statements in a halfhearted effort to head off the criticism but several national newspapers (with some notable exceptions...) had run with the story and highlighted the horrific slaughter of our wildlife at the hands of England's nature watchdog, an organisation ironically tasked with protecting nature in our country. With all this publicity, the campaign began to fly. Special thanks must go to The Independent and their excellent journalist Jane Dalton, who wrote an extensive and thorough article which was the first to focus on the whole sorry saga of Natural England's callous kill licences. A high profile piece in The Times and another article in The Mail added to the momentum and we also gained international coverage from as far afield as the USA, Latin America and Europe. Natural England's shameful and shocking activities were making news around the world. A clear picture beginning to emerge, of carnage in our countryside (and towns)... In addition to my own freedom of information requests through which I gleaned some of the shocking statistics, a number of my blog readers also sent me data resulting from their enquiries too, and so we began to form a clearer picture of both the secrecy behind Natural England's operations and the chilling extent of their kill licences. I began to highlight some of the data on my blog, revealing exclusively just how abhorrent the whole nasty affair really was. The shooting of thousands of birds was being approved by the agency that was supposed to be looking after our wildlife. The figures beggared belief - the agency approved the shooting of several thousand red-listed Herring Gulls, thousands of migratory Brent Geese, hundreds of Coots and even the extermination of songbirds. Discussions with Natural England In February 2019, a full page feature in The Guardian alerted yet more people to our campaign and the plight of our wildlife. In the wake of all the publicity, Natural England's operations director James Diamond offered to meet with me to discuss, privately, the concerns of the huge number of people who were now backing our call to overhaul the agency. I shared with him these concerns and several matters of contention, and the result of those discussions was an assurance from Mr Diamond that Natural England would publish full details of all licences that the agency issued annually, beginning before the close of 2019. This promise was a major success and proof that people power really does work and we await the implementation of this policy by the end of the year..... But, impressive as this result was, it was nowhere near enough to satisfy the demands of those supporting the petition, whose patience was running out. I called on Natural England to consult more widely during the decision making processes, allowing the public to have a say in whether or not licence applications were granted, especially in those cases where bird culling was planned in public spaces such as parks. People wanted the opportunity to oppose plans for bird culls which they often considered vile and unnecessary. When, for example, I revealed that Natural England had approved the culling of harmless Coots in a public park, people were both shocked and outraged. We had all largely been unaware of the mass slaughter taking place under our noses in our towns and countryside under licences issued by Natural England who, it turns out, operate quite secretly, some might say furtively, as they go about their business from behind closed doors. James Diamond later told me that in principle he had no problem with the public having an opportunity to object to licence applications in certain situations, though there remains no obligation for licence holders, even those whose carry out bird culling in public spaces, to involve the public in any way at all. Licence applications, even those which could result in the slaughter of thousands of birds, are decided by Natural England's office staff, who appear to dish out the lethal licences with gusto. Very few licence applications are refused and the monitoring of active licences is woefully inadequate, meaning that the potential for irresponsible action is huge. It is practically impossible to know whether the terms of the licences are being adhered to. Shockingly inadequate monitoring The system is a shambles, so much so that nobody really knows how many birds are being shot or even what species are being killed. As I discovered whilst examining a licence that Natural England had granted to shoot Herring Gulls, the licensee was so ignorant that he didn't seem to know the difference between species and so might have been gleefully shooting birds regardless of whether they were covered by the licence or not. Not that this worrying state of affairs seemed to matter much to Natural England, as they had no hesitation in renewing his licence without fuss. Supporters feel 'let down' by RSPB - and cancel membership in protest The public have been shocked and disturbed by the figures emerging from the secretive lethal licensing system, many have contacted their MPs, some of whom said they were sympathetic with the aims of the petition but offered little practical support. Even more have called on the RSPB for advice but they were generally very disappointed by the society's wishy-washy response. Most of those who contacted the RSPB, many of them long standing supporters of the society, received a standard banal reply with little or no sign that the nation's 'protector' of birds was really very bothered by the kill licences. The apparent lack of interest shown by the RSPB resulted in a number of people cancelling their membership and the lack of action from the RSPB has worried supporters of the petition; the organisation that many had turned to for reassurance seemed to be something of a wet rag when it came to any criticism of Natural England. The hope that the RSPB might be key to bringing about change proved to be woefully misplaced. So, now in the Autumn of 2019, thousands of our birds are potentially still being killed under our noses, without our consent and with precious little monitoring. Our campaign has influenced policy and created widespread awareness Currently the petition is at 353,000 signatures. Undoubtedly our campaign has already influenced policy, being a catalyst for some of the shake-ups we have seen in the whole sorry licensing system. Wild Justice, whose recent, and well publicised, legal challenge forced Natural England into an uncomfortable corner, acknowledged that our campaign (albeit with its different objectives) has helped pile pressure on Natural England to listen and react. Perhaps the most successful aspect of our campaign to date is the fact that a general public, previously unaware of the officially sanctioned mass slaughter of our wild birds - is now fully aware. And not only aware but furious and demanding change. Plans for the future So what of the campaign's plans for the future? Well they are likely to include a peaceful demonstration to gain still more public awareness. We might also hand in our petition, especially if we can reach our goal of half a million signatures. The demo is tentatively penciled in for spring 2020, I'd be very happy to hear from anyone who might have an interest in attending. It might take place in London or perhaps near to one of Natural England's regional offices responsible for overseeing the licences. But for now, my thanks to you all for your continued support. Best, Jase
66 Comments
joe caffery
24/9/2019 09:02:31 pm
Let me know when and where for the demonstration.
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Chrissie Niddrie-Davies
24/9/2019 10:26:27 pm
I would try to attend a demonstration. Thank goodness you are attempting to prevent this wicked slaughter.
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susan cox
24/9/2019 10:34:03 pm
These ‘licenses to kill’ are being issued by completely ignorant, unaware staff. It’s just a paper exercise to them.
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Mary Bailey
25/9/2019 01:08:29 am
Bromley council has a mass poisoning campaign in all its public spaces if crows, ravens, rates, foxes, peoples pets and anything else that lives and breathes. Housing associations are just as bad.
Denise Booth
24/9/2019 11:20:39 pm
We must not give up. Contact people like ricky gervais and Brian may. Amanda holden. Gethe them to speak. They care passionately about our wildlife
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Abdiel LeRoy
1/10/2019 12:56:59 am
Bill Bailey too!
Jean Jones. (Mrs )
25/9/2019 01:14:26 pm
Dear Jase,
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Alayne Bowditch
25/9/2019 01:56:16 pm
Secrecy by an organisation like Natural England should be illegal.
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Tim Burke
25/9/2019 04:12:26 pm
It is illegal. The Freedom of Information Act covers this. They should have a publication policy so that most information is in the public domain and in addition they have to respond to freedom of information enquiries within a laid out time frame. For example, it should be possible to request and obtain scientific and expert opinion provided or requested in relation to particular licences or their internal policies for the consideration and determining of applications. If they don't provide the information (assuming it exists, which is another issue) a complaint can be lodged with the information commission. This is how Jason is able to hold them to account (with 350000 signatures to stop the get out of declaring him vexatious).
annie sousa
24/9/2019 09:13:31 pm
I am appalled at the extent of this slaughter. Just who are supposed to benefit from this? Its human behaviour that has caused a lot of issues with some of these birds, i.e. the gulls. Human waste is easy pickings for them, of couse they are going to thrive. It does not make them pests.
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Lindsay Dyer
24/9/2019 09:24:25 pm
I would like to join the demonstration and would appreciate receiving notification of the date.I am appalled at the content of your report and the senseless destruction of these birds
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Anne Carey
24/9/2019 09:31:24 pm
The RSPB still thinks that, because they are a charity, they aren't allowed to criticise Government policy
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Mr Butler
24/9/2019 09:34:50 pm
1. RSPB is disappointing, they deserve mass membership loss and the sacking of their executive for disgraceful apathy, also, should they retain their charitable status?
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Densemble Booth
24/9/2019 11:21:57 pm
Agreed
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Abdiel LeRoy
1/10/2019 01:00:42 am
Yes, follow-the-money makes a lot of sense. Reminds me of the FDA approving dangerous medical devices.
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joe caffery
24/9/2019 09:44:58 pm
Can someone publish the RSPB response? I am a member but probably won't be for very much longer.
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Denise Booth
24/9/2019 11:22:54 pm
I will too.
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John Spooner
25/9/2019 08:51:54 am
I am a member of RSPB and I spoke on the phone last week to a Representative. She told me they were aware of Natural England and their activities. When I questioned whether they were aware of Jason Endfield, I received an affirmative but was told that he had not been in touch, and there were no plans to contact him. When questioned about the RSPB's attitude to Natural England, I was advised that i might want to ring Natural England and seek my own assurances. She then gave me the telephone number. Not exactly a hotbed of indignation at the death of so many birds. This from the organisation supposedly trying to save the lives of birds in this country. I am out.
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Justine Gardiner
24/9/2019 09:46:03 pm
Thank you for all your hard work on both exposing this and attempting to find a solution. It's such sad reading.
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Vivienne Shilton
24/9/2019 09:55:23 pm
I would definitely be interested in taking part in a peaceful demonstration.
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Alexia Bell
24/9/2019 09:57:16 pm
Thanks Jason for bringing this desperate situation to my attention. Please count me in for any support.
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Cara Gay Miller-May
24/9/2019 09:57:40 pm
Pls let me know when the demonstration is thank you.
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Paul Matthews
24/9/2019 10:17:10 pm
Purely in the interests of balance and assessing the motives and efficacy of Natural England - it would be helpful to have a brief summary of their arguments
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Denise Booth
24/9/2019 11:27:28 pm
Balance? There is no balance.
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Matt Clowes
24/9/2019 10:40:33 pm
Thanks for your comprehensive update Jase, and for your continuing tenacity in this issue. I am not good at compromise and would almost certainly not have your patience and ability to deal with these people. I shall obviously continue to give you whatever support I can, and once again thank you for your continuing efforts. Best wishes, Matt @ActionforEarth
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Susanne Mercanti
24/9/2019 11:04:48 pm
Is there nothing we hold sacred. What do we want? a world full of concrete and brick. What is wrong with these people. Do they have no ethics and no heart. Cull them instead of the birds. They make my stomach turn in disgust.
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Nicky
24/9/2019 11:13:55 pm
I’m up for a demo anytime! Thank you for all your hard work and keeping the fight going. I’m reading ‘Silent Fields’ right now, about how wildlife was persecuted by the King/ government in Tudor times and local people paid to bring in the dead bodies. Seems like nothing has changed! I hope we can turn things around. NE and RSPB need to be held to account. Interestingly RSPB probably aren’t that bothered by NE’s activities because they carry out wildlife culling themselves. But they don’t like to publish that info.
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Glynne Williams
24/9/2019 11:29:29 pm
I would definitely come to a demonstration in 2020. I have the impression that these licences are being granted to people who are totally ignorant of the plight of the species they are applying to cull. I am not completely against granting such licences as they may sometimes be necessary, but I suspect that Natural England have not been sufficiently strict over the conditions of granting them.
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Elaine Parkin
25/9/2019 11:48:50 am
Who is in league with who here? Is it all about money, back handers, ulterior motives of some kind? I agree with Glynne Williams in that occasionally, a licence may be necessary, but never, ever, for our songbirds or something as harmless as a coot! Don't the birds have enough to battle with reduced food, habitat, climate change, global warming, cats, and the appalling, (but inexplicably legal) practice by developers of netting what habitat remains? When will the right people get into the leadership of these charities - he ones who will actually work to protect them?
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Michael Deane
25/9/2019 12:04:46 am
Well done in your efforts to expose this nauseating slaughter.
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Anne Steph
25/9/2019 01:50:26 am
When they cull humans there is an outcry (as there should be), there should be an outcry for the innocent and helpless animals and birds which is our duty to care for as a decent civilisation. Politicians and media; to expose these shameful events and activities by organisations that are meant to care. Killing is not the answer.
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Janet Lewis
25/9/2019 04:50:02 am
I will attend. There is no sane reason to kill birds.
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Joanna
25/9/2019 06:02:18 am
Thank you for finding out what has been going on behind closed doors. The mentality of killing animals has got to stop. Our natural environment is disappearing right under our noses. I will want to come to a demonstration.
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Valerie Fish
25/9/2019 06:10:50 am
All this is so predictable in reactions from the organisations responsible as whenever I read about this kind of situation, the relevant government dept. always say in rebuttal that we have done this and that and spent X amount of money. We consider it our highest priority to do this that and the other and blah blah is our main concern etc etc Its all b.llshit and who do they think they are fooling?! People are too savvy these days with all the information in the media to believe it any more and that's why there are so many petitions signed by thousands of people and all the protests here in this country and worldwide. People just don't want to hear what the politicians and certain authorities say any more, disbelieve it and vigorously protest and express their own opinions. I have little time for the RSPCA for instance because of personal experience of them and have read comments on Facebook from lots of people with the same attitude. I supported the RSPB for a long time in the past but rotate the charities I support because I am a pensioner and have a limited income. If I did have any appreciable amount of money I would donate most of it to the so many deserving causes and if you worried about all of them it would drive you nuts. I have to scroll past and switch off and just do what I can do and sign all the petitions and do my bit. We just have to stay positive and keep plugging away and usually something finally breaks and things turned around, but sadly before that happens, there has been a lot of unnecessary suffering. A kind of sacrifice to enable the majority to benefit and survive and carry on into the future. It seems to be how the world works and as I am now 68, I have seen a lot of it personally and living in this country and being aware of the rest of the world and what is happening, that is the reality of life today.
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Nicky Godridge
25/9/2019 06:34:34 am
What about approaching The One Show to do a piece?Mike Dilger would surely be a passionate supporter.
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Franke
25/9/2019 06:45:52 am
I'm up for a peaceful demo. Thanks for all you are doing Jason. Just a side thought, if these kill licences are happening for birds, how many other creatures do they issue licences for, and how many of those are already endangered, or soon will be. I know, that's a whole different can of worms, it was just a thought.
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William Thompson
25/9/2019 08:10:16 am
If the RSPB aren't interested, have you tried the British Trust for Ornithology?
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Pamela Allen
25/9/2019 09:47:48 am
My daughter and I will be happy to attend any peaceful protest to stop this unnecessary cruel slaughter of our and our future generations wildlife..We all deserve better...
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Nicky
25/9/2019 10:59:14 am
What about Birdlife International? Could more publicity be obtained through their network? 29/9/2019 01:09:24 pm
we must not allow people kill Ravens or any other crow in their family i am sad to say that the rspb kill and trap crows to death.
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Sarah
25/9/2019 08:25:36 am
Thank you for all your hard work on this, Jason. I'm so impressed by the way you are managing this campaign and grateful that the birds and those who care about them have you on their side. I would like to register my interest in the demonstration in spring.
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michael baker
25/9/2019 09:28:52 am
Main points covered very well. Yes, what about B T O ? Main protest outside RSPB h.q. ? Highlight the ignorance of granting licences to kill. Challenge charitable status of some of these organisations? Get Extinction Rebellion involved as well?
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Martine Baldwin
25/9/2019 09:52:42 am
Please inform me of details of the demonstration. I am appalled by the arrogance and callous cruelty that allows this mass killing of beautiful, innocent creatures to take place. There is no justification for it.
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Stuart Davies
25/9/2019 10:31:14 am
This bird killing licence problem with ‘Natural England’ is but a tip of the 'fat cat' salary obscenities of ALL the larger Charities. The publics' emotional donations to Public Charities are matched with ever higher remunerations to sales staff, directors and CEOs. The more donations as a result of advertising campaigns (most using themes pulling at the heart strings) they rake in, the more expenses, the higher the salaries, the more staff and directors they will take on. The main purpose being to create larger self-perpetuating organisations - to the benefit of lowering unemployment - and it is claimed, the economy and the ever delusive GDP figures. The chosen objectives of these Charities ie. Animals, Children, Refugees etc. are no more than a means to an end. And I personally, no longer donate to Charities that have telephone staff on packages of more than £35K, Directors on more than £48K, CEO on a remuneration package worth more than £60K. And that rules out all but the smaller charities that ARE GENUINELY DEDICATED to their causes.
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25/9/2019 02:15:55 pm
Wow, Stuart! If that is common knowledge, I must have had my head stuck in a whole load of sand...that's insane! What is this country coming to? Inept politicians, amoral charities, apathetic population (should have 500,000 signatures by now)....
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Georgina Skipper
25/9/2019 11:32:34 am
It's all too similar to the badger fiasco. If you research TB spread in humans, it's 98% human to human, And the TB called "bovine" was actually caught FROM humans by cows! But it's easier to slaughter wild animals than address the real issues.
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martin hugill
25/9/2019 11:46:27 am
In light of your comments regarding the herring gull one wonders if licence holders can tell the difference between ravens and carrion crows .A farmer I know [and regularly
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duncan tolmie
25/9/2019 01:12:28 pm
come on natural ENGLAND show the world that ENGLAND does and will always protect the natural wildlife in your beautiful country so lets hear your VOICE.
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25/9/2019 02:08:34 pm
Thanks for all the information and hard work with the campaign.
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Paul Soane
25/9/2019 03:58:54 pm
Work allowing I’ll do all I can to attend. Disgusting behaviour, NE clearly not fit for purpose.
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Eric Cuthbert
26/9/2019 12:57:01 am
Keep up the great work in exposing the needles taking of innocent life. Please try to inquire into the demise of the wild rabbit population, here in Ireland, the rabbits are nearly extinct, what is going on ?, please try and get a cure of the desease which is killing them. Yours truly. Eric Cuthbert from Dundalk, Ireland.
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Sheila Dorsett
26/9/2019 09:59:03 am
Thanks for what you are doing Jason. What a country this could be if we tolerated all living things. Just read a piece about a red kite killed with an illegal poison. So sad.
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Sheila Dorsett
26/9/2019 10:02:17 am
Forgot to say I would be pleased to attend a demo if it is accessible by public transport.
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Richard Rawcliffe
27/9/2019 03:35:19 pm
"I shared with him these concerns and several matters of contention, and the result of those discussions was an assurance from Mr Diamond that Natural England would publish full details of all licences that the agency issued annually, beginning before the close of 2019."
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27/9/2019 03:56:46 pm
I will try to attend a demonstration. Preferably local. Mine would be Exeter.
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Christine Bates
27/9/2019 07:59:47 pm
I have been a member of RSPB for many years, but will now " consider " my membership.I am continually appalled by what I read. If RSPB cannot come up with a very good response , I will terminate, my membership. Good on for people like Jason Enfield, with out whom , how would we know the facts, & we thought we live in a democracy .What a joke !!!!
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You seem to me to be unaware of the great projects that the RSPB are involved with and the good work they do, l am at the moment witnessing some great stuff they are doing near to where I live.
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Rob Gair
28/9/2019 12:10:50 pm
You are doing tremendous work Jason - thanks for the update/review. The attitude to wildlife of some people in 'high places' in this country is disgraceful and saddening. As is the (lack of) response from the RSPB - it should remove the word Protection from its name! Would attend any demonstration.
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29/9/2019 01:12:33 pm
we must stop people killing Ravens and all the Crow family i am sad to say that the rspb kill Crows also trap them to death.
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Sharon Smithen
29/9/2019 01:48:35 pm
This slaughter must stop. I know this happens in other countries and I have signed petitions against this but to think it's happening in Britain is disgusting. What does the minister of environment think of this. She is currently looking at trophy killing and this should also come under that title. Also Chris Packam must be fighting against this. Perhaps invite him if he hasn't already been asked. Good work Jason, keep the pressure up.
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Nina Clark
30/9/2019 06:52:43 pm
I would do my best to attend a demo. Thank you so much for taking this whole challenge on.
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Abdiel LeRoy
1/10/2019 01:15:45 am
I am heartened by the outrage expressed in these comments alone, reassured that there are countless others who love nature in general and birdlife in particular, and who will ally to protect them!
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SteveW
1/10/2019 11:27:58 pm
One thing for us all to ponder, is the fact that we have already killed off many predator species, which means that we could be over run by some of the faster breeding species, it seems crazy that birds are being fed and protected in some places and the same species are being culled elsewhere.
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Marie
2/10/2019 08:28:22 am
Please inform me of any peaceful demonstration. This killing doesn't make any sense. Such cruelty is unacceptable. We must protect the birds it's hard enough for many bird species to survive as it is.
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Gillian Miller
3/10/2019 06:22:02 pm
This is an international problem in that hunters across Europe shoot migratory birds in their hundreds of thousands. They do it for the same reason that people shoot pheasant et al. NO licence should be issued to kill any species of animal unless there is a proper scientific basis for doing so. As this usually happens because of people then whatever it is that they are doing needs to be investigated. The person who is licensed to shoot must be able to prove that they recognise what species it is that they are allowed to hunt amongst others.
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Gillian Miller
3/10/2019 06:25:23 pm
I should add that the country counter is brilliant as it shows that people all around the world are as concerned as we are to protect the vulnerable and helpless. As birds cannot speak for themselves then we must do so for them.
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