Scottish Natural Heritage, the ironically named killers of native wildlife, recently hit the headlines for issuing licences to kill protected Ravens. But it has emerged that they have also been sanctioning the culling of other native - and protected - species.
The shocking figures include the issuing of 30 licences to kill Cormorants and another to exterminate 'an indefinite number of Swifts for public health/air safety'. Other licences were issued to kill Robins and Swallows while the list also includes House Sparrows, Starlings, Gannets, Kestrels and Grey Partridge to name a few. According to figures obtained through a freedom of information request, 500 licences to cull were issued last year for a number of reasons including "falconry, aviculture and protecting public health or air safety." One wonders why the public might need protecting from House Sparrows or Robins.... Quoted in The Scotsman, SNH said “We are confident that all activities carried out under these licences do not affect the conservation status of any of our native species.” Well it's certainly not going to do them a lot of good either. It's time to say enough is enough and to investigate and overhaul SNH. If indeed they are in the business of protecting native wildlife then they are failing massively. *Please be respectful when commenting and refrain from offensive / threatening language. Thanks for all your support, Jase
169 Comments
16/8/2018 03:35:51 pm
What next these people are all barmy and cracked pots .
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Reg Jones
16/8/2018 04:35:54 pm
What an absolute disgrace to the human race these lunatics are, hope we can take some action against them,peaceful or not
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Liz Farr
20/8/2018 05:31:28 pm
What on Earth , I feed my birds provide a bird bath care for them with various foods summer and winter. Why are you going to murder our indiginous song birds.and kestrels . This is a very poor decision . The reasons are not relevant and there is no reason for a cull
Geraldine Lord
13/10/2018 12:01:29 pm
Thought the national Trust were there to protect our precious wildlife.
Angie Elmore
15/10/2018 12:48:33 pm
I absolutely couldn't agree me - give me a license to get rid of them!
Gillian
16/10/2018 10:28:53 pm
YES!!!
Hazel Johnston
17/10/2018 08:43:32 am
No way should they kill any we birds or any others as that is something we all like flying around and feeding during the winter xx
Frank
18/10/2018 01:34:55 pm
How about doo g a full on the SNH instead . Leave the wildlife alone
Graeme Heddle
7/11/2018 12:27:24 pm
In reply to Geraldine’s comment, it needs to be made clear that this is Scottish Natural Heritage and not the National Trust for Scotland. They are two complete separate entities, that do completely different things.
Shaun
12/11/2018 04:24:32 pm
Yeah Geraldine Lord, that's why fracking companies have been allowed sites on NT land here on the north Yorkshire Moors, another scam to land grab
Eldyne Cooper
14/10/2018 11:42:16 am
Geraldine Lord, this isn’t National Trust, English or Scottish, it’s Scottish Natural Heritage. It’s the English NT that allows fox hunting ( calling it “trail hunting”, Scottish NT do not allow even pretend fox hunting on their land 4/11/2018 06:43:01 pm
What reason do they give for allowing the culling of these birds? I can't think of any valid ones...😟😠.
JTJT1993
18/8/2018 04:37:32 am
shame they dont make the streets safer by removing human scum the way they are culling animals cutting trees down whats left its disgusting
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rosemary
19/8/2018 03:44:31 pm
What SNH is doing is awful and steps must be taken to prevent this , However may I also add that no human is "scum " and to imply that humans should be " removed the way that animals are culled " is quite honestly appalling language to use ..Please think very carefully when expressing anger and frustration .
Viorica guinea
21/8/2018 09:57:04 am
Disgusting
Heather
21/8/2018 10:26:56 am
Human scum is quite correct.
Sarah Black
21/8/2018 11:17:55 pm
Please let’s not kill humans or birds.
claire
14/10/2018 08:39:43 pm
rosemary, you clearly do not understand the passion beneath some of these words, people are clearly angered and frustrated by this. So if you are offended by someone being called scum then you need to get a life.
ian spencer
4/11/2018 05:58:50 pm
im so sorry but i believe you to be correct human SCUM need removing, its the only way to ensure the progression of the species natural selection or a 303 round
Lou
18/8/2018 06:08:20 pm
Did you fail to read what SNH have said? 35million birds are killed each by cars and a further 55 million by cats. What the article fails to tell you is that 80 licenses were issued LAST YEAR because if the red list. Might want to visit snh website for the truth rather than this article spreading opinion not fact. The cull has already happened and rightly so to preserve species almost wiped out. It's a disgrace you're falling for this pap
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18/8/2018 09:40:11 pm
I think you need to read a bit further yourself. If that many animals are killed by cats and cars, then what further need for culling ffs. I am sorry .. your point is ... pointless...
Lisa
19/8/2018 08:49:09 am
Culling robins is preserving what species??
Suzanne Walsh
19/8/2018 11:35:25 am
You're an idiot. If so many birds are killed each year, just why do they feel they need to kill more. Not only that, but how does a cat and a car killing a bird JUSTIFY people killing them for no good reason?
Geoff
19/8/2018 01:15:58 pm
We would be better off culling cats.
Iain Gibson
20/8/2018 12:51:02 am
Not the case, Geoff. The number of birds killed by cats does not cause the birds to die out. It is only a small part of the number of garden birds which are lost through natural predation. Why else do you think that one pair of Blue Tits is capable of producing a dozen young in a single breeding season? On average, it only takes one of them to survive until the next spring to sustain the breeding population. SNH handing out cull licences like sweeties is naive in the extreme, despite them employing qualified scientists who should know better. All I can imagine is that they're placating the hunting and shooting lobby, as well as equally naive complainants who believe that Robins are creating a health and safety hazard!
David McLurcan
20/8/2018 06:24:38 am
“ The cull has already happened, and quite rightly so, to preserve species almost wiped out.” I think you should read that statement again and have a little rethink.
Sylvia Wilson
20/8/2018 09:25:35 pm
I am struggling with all of this because no explanation or reasons have been given that make any sense ! Our local rangers are asking for numbers of small birds for census and seem relieved to have them - but then they work for other agencies . There is a reason given that says falconry ! Are these small birds killing off falcons - it is the other way about - you open the door in the morning to screaming birds of prey so many of them yet the small bird population shrinks . But of course we are told large birds do not attack small birds ! We have all seen it happen ! Maybe they are just sweets to a bird of prey ? The nesting house martins have been decreasing annually - down from 48 in our eaves to just 12nests this year ! Buy I suppose these nasty dirty little small birds might give the chosen ones , the predators , nasty diseases as this word diseases was mentioned too - so tell me at what point in time do we cull the birds of prey who are supposed to keep the rabbit population down but do not ! They are spectacularly good with lambs it would seem though !
Mac
21/8/2018 03:45:26 pm
Well said Lou.
Sarah Black
23/8/2018 01:56:21 pm
I live in Argyll and in my area Swallow numbers were definitely down. I also have a home in Portugal and numbers were lower than usual this year. They used to wake me up in the morning outside my window. Not this year. Culling them would be a disaster
RockMum
18/10/2018 08:24:27 am
Mess all over? Cats always bury their mess. If you see any mess it's always dogs or foxes. Foxes even poop on top of walls to advertise their presence and claim territory. Cats don't have to, they can smell eachother anyway. This whole idea of shooting wild birds is just to appeal to the toffs who like having shooting parties, to drum up tourism in Scotland. Their gun dogs will make plenty of mess, and worry the sheep and deer.
Jean Thorndyke
18/8/2018 06:23:01 pm
I can’t believe this, Cormorants 👍 But really, garden birds?! How mental is that? Rubbish! Scotland do you really need to do this? For falconry ? When in Scotland, birds of prey are persecuted by game keepers to help with grouse shooting! Shame on you Scotland😡😡😡😡😡
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Iain Gibson
20/8/2018 12:38:41 am
There is absolutely no justifiable excuse for killing Cormorants. They do not impact on natural fish stocks, and the persecution only takes place because ecologically uneducated anglers are greedy and cruel. Even when the birds feed on artificially stocked 'put and take' fisheries, they are doing little harm which cannot be resolved by restocking. If clubs fail to deal with the perceived problem that way, then their activity is clearly unsustainable and downright unreasonable.Thanks to the selfish greed of some (not all) anglers, the Cormorant population in the Clyde catchment area has declined by approximately 75% in the past decade. Thanks a lot (I don't think), SNH.
Ian
22/6/2019 12:08:22 am
Oh yeah - I'm Scottish and it is MY fault is it?
Paul Chant
18/8/2018 07:02:32 pm
This is outrageous, we need as petition and or action.
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19/8/2018 10:34:28 am
less of the 'Scottish Establishment'. The Brittish establishment are one flock of sociopathic murderers.
Wendy Maunder
14/10/2018 10:17:56 am
Cormorants are being culled because of lack of their traditional food; fish from the sea. This dearth of their food is caused by over-fishing in their traditional hunting grounds.
Teo
15/10/2018 10:36:01 pm
Very cruel, these birds are a beautiful gentle part of nature these people are not protecting heritage at all, it's shameful that they are allowed to issue licenses to kill innocent birds
Von Rose
18/8/2018 08:19:48 pm
Totally agree what good does it do to kill these birds? What is their reasoning?
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Iain Gibson
14/10/2018 10:14:58 pm
Wendy, I sympathise with your feelings but would be happier if you checked your facts. Cormorants are not strictly seabirds, and their visits to freshwater lochs and rivers to feed is entirely natural, as is the general surplus of birds compared to the actual breeding population. Over-fishing is bound to have had some effect on their overall numbers, but is not a cause of inland fishing. In fact persecution by hobby fishermen is a far more significant factor. I don't like to generalise about anglers, but many of them are over-possessive and greedy about "their fish." It is highly credible that the noted decline in Cormorant numbers is mainly due to being ruthlessly shot by rogue fishermen. The law needs reviewed in the light of the species decline, and the naivety of SNH for dishing out licences like sweeties. The actual number killed by anglers and water bailiffs seems to far outnumber the licences issued.
Brenda Long
18/8/2018 08:32:40 pm
Absolute madness!!! Britain is becoming a nation of animal and wildlife haters. What give humans the right to slaughter any living being. Think its time for a human cull 😡
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Ian McPherson
19/8/2018 10:11:39 am
I totally agree with you. Wipe out all the arseholes who think they have the right to exterminate other life on this planet. 😡😡
Irene.
18/8/2018 09:26:36 pm
With you on that completely lost the plot.
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david todd
19/8/2018 11:34:06 am
can you put out a licences to kill them.
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Anna Angel
19/8/2018 12:47:35 pm
Outrageous and stupid Our wildlife should be protected not culled
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Jen
19/8/2018 03:13:45 pm
What the actual f*ck?! Are you serious SNH?! Evil scum. Disgusting. SNH should be truly ashamed of itself.
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steve colborn
19/8/2018 07:36:09 pm
Cretins with pens but without brains, the most dangerous sub-species of Homo-Sapien!
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Gary
19/8/2018 09:36:12 pm
SNH has to send annual reports to the EU Commission on what licenses they've issued but a lot of the time their Habides software doesn't allow them to report exactly what the licenses are for. Some of the ones listed for falconry are in fact for public safety issues and quite often birds are not killed but the operators have to have licenses just to cover "intent". There are far more serious issues with SNH's licensing of the Gannet cull on Sula Sgeir to kill 2000 gannet chicks on an island that has just about every possible category of EU Environment protection going and although the Gannet cull is sustainable there are several other species of Red Listed species breeding on the small island including Storm Petrels. The population of Storm Petrels nest in the walls of the bothy used by islanders during the two week cull, SNH issue licenses from mid August, the Storm Petrels fledge young up until the end of August, the population has dropped from several hundred pairs to a handful over the last 50 years whereas on neighbouring island, Rhona, they are doing fine. The cull is licensed on the basis of food for human consumption but it doesn't comply with food standards regulation, SNH say its not their responsibility ! SNH have also licensed the Golden Eagle translocation, funded with 1.6 million pounds from the Heritage Lottery Fund, even though it doesn't comply with the IUCN guidelines on translocation which says the cause of an issue with a population has to be identified before a release takes place, this hasn't happened, neither have they considered the damage a release may do to other raptors populations in this region, its the strong hold of the Peregrine Falcon , Golden Eagles predate Peregrine, and other raptor chicks. This is a re-run of the Irish translocation in which they sent approximately 80 six week old Golden Eagle chicks to Ireland, nearly 60 died and the remaining birds struggle to breed because of insufficient food supply. Golden Eagle chicks suffer something called "Cane and Abel" syndrome, whereby the older chick kills the younger chick in the first week, this happens in the majority of nests so there's likely to be between 100 to 150 dead Golden Eagle chicks in Scotland every year and yet SNH choose to license the taking of a six week old chick from one of a small minority of nests where the younger chick has survived. SNH are accountable to no one and issued me with a cessation of communication for 12 months for asking them too many questions even though the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act makes it a legal obligation for them to answer questions and give advice, which they don't agree with. SNH are destroying out natural heritage because they haven't got the competence to manage it and refuse to listen to those that have !
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Kay Adams
20/8/2018 12:32:53 am
How can Scottish Heritage be stood from these disastrous licences to ill these vulnerable and dwindling Bird populations in the UK.
Gary
20/8/2018 10:05:20 am
Email the SNH licensing manager and ask him why he's issuing these licenses :- [email protected]
tim wootton
21/8/2018 09:12:11 am
excellent and detailed comment Gary. I hope more people read this. I don't accept the Men Of Ness having the right to take the gannets purely on the basis that it's traditional. Well, I'd be less critical if they used the traditional methods to do so; rowing boats, hand-made ropes and no navigational aids . . but they don't.
Gary
21/8/2018 09:26:31 am
Exactly Tim, the Islanders rowed out there up until about 50 years ago, The Island is an SPA, SAC and SSSI, with at least 2 or 3 Red Listed species nest next to the Gannet, the EU Birds Directive states it should be "strictly supervised" and SNH says they haven't got the resources other than to meet A boat when it arrives back at Ness. SNH issued the license on the basis of "food for human consumption" so surely they have a responsibility to take into account food standards regulations, they don't ! If someone was on the mainland processing chickens and throwing the guts into the sea someone from Environmental Health would soon be on them. My feeling is this is being licensed on a nod and a wink from Scot Gov and people need to stand up and challenge it !
Gary
21/8/2018 09:50:14 am
The root of this unaccountability from SNH is their Board who are supposed to oversee the operation and policy of SNH but all they do is back them up, no matter what ! The Standing Chair told me last year that SNH don't have to take any notice of case law so that's shows the level these people work on, even contempt for our courts. The Boards code of conduct makes their first responsibility accountability to the "citizen" and yet they refuse to meet me so I've submitted a complaint to the Ethical Commissioner as Dr.Cantlay's, SNH Chairman, is in breach of his code of conduct so I'm hoping at least this government body will have some integrity and uphold my complaint because so far all I've seen is corruption and abuse of power.
Elisabeth Orme
18/10/2018 01:17:57 am
There is alot of anger, and reading your message has led me to believe you have been actively pursuing the SNH for more detailed info in reply to questions you asked which obviously has touched sensitive points to which they have set timescale bounderies upon you being able enquire further. 14/12/2018 03:07:54 pm
Spot on Gary.
Pauline Bate
19/8/2018 10:35:51 pm
Shocking..this is outrageous!
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Gary
18/10/2018 01:55:46 am
SNH are accountable to no one, they pursue their own agenda and when challenged refuse to answer questions even though they have a legal obligation to do so, and if you pursue the issue they issue a notification of unacceptable behaviour for persistence even though the Ombudsman's guidance to public bodies is persistence should not be treated as such. The Boards first responsibility is to the public but all they do is support SNH no matter how what ! Remember, SNH issue licenses to KILL 2000 gannet chicks every year on Sula Sgeir on the basis of 'food for human consumption' when the islanders are not complying with food standard regulations but this is ignored by SNH. On top of this the island has every level of EU protection going and still the cull goes ahead. SNH are the most arrogant public body I've come across in 37 years of dealing with environmental government bodies and even my MSP has said government have issues with them but change will take time. If people really care about their behaviour email a complaint to your MSP !
Devenecia
20/8/2018 12:48:30 am
Did someone ask them why they issued those licenses I would love to hear their reasoning was it a big fat bribe?
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Clare Morton
20/8/2018 08:01:26 am
We should be helping robins to survive and sparrows it's difficult enough for these birds to survive as it is without a culling licence .Disgraceful.
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Iain Gibson
26/8/2018 04:42:40 am
To be fair (reluctantly) to SNH, the number of licences issued to kill some of these species, such as Robin or House Sparrow, is comparatively low enough not to affect populations. It is still ethically irresponsible however, mainly because the reasons given for applying for a licence are often ridiculous. It is also cruel, when parent birds are killed and their nestful of young consequently die slowly of starvation. SNH seems to think that it has to accept any reason given by the applicant, whether or not based on credible or scientific evidence. However the worst licences are possibly those supplied to angling clubs to kill Cormorants and Goosanders, magnificent birds which just happen to eat fish. In many areas of the country these species are suffering as a result, with no concern showed by SNH for their conservation. The same applies to urban nesting gulls, based on some people's irrational fear of them. The RSPB sits back and says nothing about that. There is obviously a great need for effective education.
Gary
26/8/2018 10:18:36 am
Ian, I've dealt with SNH a lot over the last 9 years and they are the most arrogant government body I've come across. They don't have the level of competence to deal with a lot of these issues, they certainly have little knowledge of the law and if what they do know doesn't fit in with their agenda they ignore it, such as the Scottish Regulators Strategic Code of Practice, which is a legal instrument implemented by the Regulatory Reform Act. This makes it a legal obligation for them to explain their decision but they just appear irritated when someone questions them, probably because of their incompetence. Killing any of our native wildlife should be a last resort but SNH haven't got the knowledge to considered other options, most of what they do these days is play catch you, trying to overcome problems that should have never been a problem if they'd have done their job properly in the first place, such as the Scottish Wildcat. On Friday we saw the previous First Minister kick off because he wasn't happy with Scot Govs complaints procedure, well HELLO, welcome to what us mere mortals have had to deal with for years, NO ACCOUNTABLITY !!! and SNH are the most unaccountable government body in Scotland !
Rosemary Hoskins
20/8/2018 09:51:00 pm
What harm do these birds do? Surely we should be made aware of this but such culls cannot be helpful if these bird species are endangered.
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Bernadette Reid
20/8/2018 10:31:40 pm
This can cannot be true. None of these birds can possibly be threats to public health and safety.
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Rosaleen Garvey
21/8/2018 11:21:55 am
Can't believe I'm reading this insane nonsense ...licence to kill defenceless birds it's truly disgusting and those people need to be fired ...robins are scared birds smh 😈😈 Swift's only visit for a few months to breed .. the world is gone mad ruled by sick proplp who have no respect for life ...maybe we should start culling them
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Jo Maloney
21/8/2018 12:29:30 pm
Well said.
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Alison Donegan
21/8/2018 06:02:42 pm
They should leave them alone and get the seagulls-which are swooping down and attacking people and it`s not just when they have young!!
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Mary Craig
21/8/2018 11:05:34 pm
I am upset and disgusted by this. Culling birds? Unbelievable 😢
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22/8/2018 05:21:10 pm
If man was treating the planet with respect and not destroying it for its own greed, there would be a natural equilibrium and nature would look after nature. But mankind destroys habitats, introduces species that had been extinct and grab more and more land. This is not acceptable. Culling is not a solution and will lead to the extinction of some of our much loved birds
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Graham Hamilton
24/8/2018 05:13:34 pm
People in Scotland should stop their donations to them. Swollows not protected? Everyone needs to share this now.
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Anita Whateley
24/8/2018 09:33:35 pm
Yes Angela, what a good idea let cull, all idiots that go round saying it is OK TO KILL such beautiful birds. They are all sick.
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Ann
27/8/2018 09:30:55 pm
are you all crazy. house sparrow numbers are low already. robin is the national bird.
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Margaret Fairgrieve
14/10/2018 11:55:34 am
This is really shocking. Leave the birds alone. Why are you interfering. Must be about saving money for some greedy people or organisation.
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Anne
14/10/2018 05:44:20 pm
Angela Tenbury I totally agree!
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Tracey Howitt
14/10/2018 06:52:49 pm
Shame on you. Foolish control idiots. Ban humans having so many kids. Stop eating meat. That's where the damage stems from. Naire. You'd rather stuff your fat faces on flesh. Evil
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Georgina
15/10/2018 05:08:30 am
NO PETITION !!!
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Judith WellsWTF
15/10/2018 08:52:33 am
WTF?
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Linda Rice
15/10/2018 10:44:47 pm
Absolutely disgusting what are these people thinking of killing our beautiful birds. Crows and magpie yes. Their scavengers and killers. No sense in this Rediculous act and I strongly disagree with this cruelty .
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Yvonne Elliot
15/10/2018 10:55:24 pm
All wildlife should be preserved for future generations - which should drastically be reduced by a 2 child rule ! Human population is to blame for our shrinking natural wildlife
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Sandra strathie
16/10/2018 09:25:27 am
Madness this body needs looking into. One piece of madness after another.
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Gillian
16/10/2018 10:27:22 pm
Yes, I agree, get rid of the people who make these laws to kill animals!
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Len Gill
3/11/2018 09:02:28 pm
Are we sure it's not April 1st? Surely to God this has to be fake news. As someone has already said why on earth would the human race need to be protected from robins, house sparrows, starlings etc? I have a plan let's cull all those connected to the SNH, problem solved.
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Jeff Mettam
4/11/2018 12:06:14 am
I am very sorry but it does not surprise me at all. If it gets in the way of Human Beings kill it, perhaps we ought to change our species name to Inhuman Beings. If this comment upsets anybody I am very sorry and maybe I should got rid of.
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4/11/2018 12:44:28 pm
Has the word ‘protected’ been remover from the english language? Nature witl naturally cull if its needed. Leave them alone they have a right to live just like humans.
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Michell
4/11/2018 04:17:16 pm
Why on earth are you wanting to kill all these beautiful birds, quite disgusting, what’s the reason for it ?
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Andrew Mackay
5/11/2018 01:34:30 pm
The SNH and their cohorts the RSPB are the most deformable self centered bunch of clowns who unfortunately seem to have been given far too much power in Scotland
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Jane Matthew
5/11/2018 02:25:31 pm
I bet it's because they can get grants from the EU on tenuous grounds which goes into the pockets of the various groups interested in getting rid. We had this in the New Forest where English Nature planned to dig up a huge and beautiful area to restore wetlands. Local people put their heads and expertise together and first showed they needed planning permission and second managed to shoot it all all down In flames by proving they did not know what they were talking about and that they hadn't done any research to justify the actions and what they had done was inapplicable to the site. There were a lot of interests who would have got a payout for supporting it but the small man won. Check out what they are proposing and challenge it. They must have grounds for these proposals and giving out licences willy nilly to kill protected native species. Good luck.
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Christine kilcullen
14/11/2018 12:01:40 am
This is the saddest day ever
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Arole bate
14/11/2018 08:44:44 am
How crazy is this..less birds than ever and they decide to get rid of more
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Debbie
13/12/2018 04:01:45 pm
Pure evil to cull these beautiful innocent birds!
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Cannot believe what I have just read about the sanctioning of killing our wild birds! Who are these idiots? Please name them, so they can be asked face to face what they think they are doing! We need the birds for our own existence, so lets do away with the SNH, Stupid Nasty Humans!
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nema bamber
16/8/2018 05:24:58 pm
When man takes natural law into his own hands ,nature always suffers. What right do we have to say which animals will be culled. A sad time for animals, when mother nature has removed mankind from the earth ,and she will, Animals will be safe once again.
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16/8/2018 05:43:04 pm
save the planet but kill off wildlife not sure that makes sense fgs morons
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Andree parker
16/8/2018 06:40:52 pm
Has everybody gone balmy or what. Leave those birds alone some are already scarce as it is.
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16/8/2018 06:58:33 pm
i am disgusted by your barbaric actions to kill these birds.
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Catherine Webster
16/8/2018 07:48:32 pm
Absolutely disgraceful we have no right to cull any animals the only one allowed to do that is nature itself. I will be boycotting anything to do with Scottish Natural Heritage from now on
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June Leonora
16/8/2018 09:10:45 pm
I don't live in Scotland thank heaven I always thought it was a good country. I am so disappointed. I get so excited when I have birds on my fat balls. Sparrows, I haven't seen any for years. And starlings, squabbling over who's turn it is. Everyone should make their views known on this. Make a note of whose in favour of this and don't vote for them next time.
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Jodi
19/8/2018 10:17:30 am
Couldn't agree more.
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16/8/2018 10:54:02 pm
the world has gone mad , the Chinese are killing all our creatures and now this is going to wipe out our beautiful wild birds .MADNESS
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Kath
16/8/2018 11:07:02 pm
This is disgusting. I work for a animal charity. Way things are going you'll end up killing all birds. What for health n safety issues.
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Edwina
17/8/2018 01:40:31 am
Quoted in The Scotsman, SNH said “We are confident that all activities carried out under these licences do not affect the conservation status of any of our native species......
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Edwina
17/8/2018 09:37:18 am
Quoted in The Scotsman, SNH said “We are confident that all activities carried out under these licences do not affect the conservation status of any of our native species.”
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Angela Mccall
17/8/2018 11:44:43 am
What is the reason for killing all these lovely birds? All these birds are protected by Law!! You call yourself the Scottish Heritage? Please name these people whom have given licenses? I think it's disgusting whomever came up with that idea!!
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Diana
17/8/2018 11:45:46 am
This barbaric act is to protect the Red Grouse's feeding sites, so rich, disgusting so called sportsmen can pay thousands of pounds shoot the grouse for fun! I know who I would rather shoot!
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Brian Henderson
17/8/2018 02:37:21 pm
This may be the move we need if you hear me out. I rescue pigeons, but those that know what I do think I am nuts and over sentimental to "the rats with wings". On the other hand, my parents spend hours keeping a look out for the local robins and other small summer birds that go to their table and think these birds are incredibly cute. They cannot see the hypocrisy of their ways. These licenses may be just what is needed to get the masses moving. I'm afraid I am not hopeful though.
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Joanne Brown
17/8/2018 05:05:22 pm
Its disgraceful. These bird brained people who give out and receive the licenses need a very long visit to the psychiatric services. How can you justify killing protected birds? Is there a penalty for killing a protected species by law?? Will those with licenses be prosecuted by these laws?? I suppose most of those to get licenses are 'Hooray Henrys'? And we can't prosecute those can we
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Norma Sparrot
17/8/2018 07:45:28 pm
It's illegal to kill a protected bird unless you have a licence. If you have a licence it's not illegal, so no, you can't be prosecuted. So why do SNH issue licences? Well, a couple of reasons would be 1) to prevent aircraft crashing as a result of bird-strikes (would you rather have a hundred people killed in an air crash?) or 2) to stop a starling that accidentally flew into your local Tesco shitting on the vegetables
Elizabeth
17/8/2018 08:20:15 pm
Leave nature alone it sort it self out WE INTERFERE TO MUCH
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Clare Eagles
18/8/2018 09:47:20 am
This is abhorrent, how people are allowed to kill wildlife is disgusting, we should be ashamed of our ‘leaders’ that allow this. Am furious and saddened at how backward thinking some people are.
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brigitte whittingham
18/8/2018 11:50:40 am
can't believe it. so wrong. there must be a protest. can't we all sign up against this?
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Anne Mackie
18/8/2018 01:31:36 pm
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Sylvia wilson
20/8/2018 09:38:08 pm
Still waiting to hear what is being done to curtail crow activities and how they are increasingly cannabilistic of small birds just like magpies . Frankly as a human I am getting a little afraid of the crows too . Each parental grouping has always taught their young everything they know and the next generation takes this on board and adds a bit more and so on . But knowledge is going at a faster pace and crows will soon be taking over the world at this rate - so what is SNH going to do about it ?
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Tash
18/8/2018 06:11:05 pm
Last year we saw a drop in the swifts beating here now we know why!!
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Jen Wilson
18/8/2018 06:12:14 pm
And as with New Zealand and their hideous 1080 poison, everything else dies along with it...
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Sandra Jones
18/8/2018 10:41:26 pm
Is there something in the water up there? What the hell is going on? Here we are condemning the killing of elephants and this bunch of utter lunatics is quite happy to go killing birds. I am especially annoyed, no I'm bloody fuming, that they chose to issue licenses to kill robins and swallows? The latter is already sodding struggling and you (SNH) barmpots are doing even more damage. Do you not realise that these birds mate for life and migrate over extremely long distances. What a complete bunch of tossers you are and bloody shame on you!
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18/8/2018 10:44:19 pm
Are you frigging kidding me? What possible danger can Robins, Swifts and other birds pose to us? This is just more B.S. on the part of agencies that are supposed to protect our wildlife. I would like to know where in the hell the human race got the idea that we have the right to wipe out all other life on this planet. ENOUGH ALREADY!! It's time to cull the idiots that run these agencies
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Susan
18/8/2018 11:24:07 pm
I'm not sure if people are aware but SNH is also currently disgracing itself after being found out, through FOI, to be conspiring with Forestry Commission Scotland in favour of windfarm proposals that will completely destroy the habitat of a number of what are the best examples of Scottish Wildcats to have been found for decades. This is dispite the fact that these two governmental organisation are the main partners in, wait for it ... Scottish Wildcat Action, the well funded, high profile, self proclaimed saviour of this, one of the world's most endangered mammal species. I kid you not. Further information and petition to the Scottish Parlaiment can be found here. Please support their campaign. https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527435880706941&ref=content_filter
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Skaya
19/8/2018 08:54:54 am
Another head-scratching moment. Sometimes my flabber is just gasted beyond belief. I'd actually be interested to hear how these people justify their actions. And then shoot them with their own guns. SNH? = So Not Human
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Robert
19/8/2018 09:42:51 am
Where is the RSPB in this?
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Eldyne Cooper
14/10/2018 11:51:46 am
Unfortunately, the RSPB are also responsible for bird culling, they have been using Larson traps to kill crows in various locations, supposedly to protect curlews. I have spoken to the women in charge of the project, and have consequently given notice on my previous volunteering activities
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19/8/2018 09:51:17 am
Why don't we just eradicate all wildlife that are "inconvenient" and keep ones for "sport" because basically animals are here for us, right??? I am absolutely sick to the back teeth of these peoole who play God and decide what can and can't stay. Animals were here before us; since humans arrived, the planet and its inhabitants have been doomed. The ones who need killing off are the ones who make these stupid rules.
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Robert
19/8/2018 09:57:41 am
From the SNH website.
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david todd
19/8/2018 11:35:25 am
can you put out a licences to kill
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Suzanne Walsh
19/8/2018 11:39:25 am
I am totally disgusted by this. There is no valid reason at all for the killing of these birds, most especially when they are already in decline because of the loss of their habitat, and due to the amount of herbicides and pesticides used. The Robin is our National Bird for crying out loud! Absolutely NOTHING is sacred in this country, and I'm willing to bet that more of this is due to land development than anything else >:(
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Jacqueline Selby Brooks
19/8/2018 03:54:16 pm
Cull the SNH.
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19/8/2018 09:03:00 pm
Absolutely outrageous, charitable status is hiding the demented in plain sight.... we need to return to nations, bankrupt governments is not the way....
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Alan
19/8/2018 09:41:54 pm
Disgusting behaviour from humans. Why are gulls protected ? They are thieves of the air and raid our bins causing such a mess. These should be culled along with SNH.
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dfd
21/8/2018 06:18:21 pm
Killing birds because they inconvenience you is pathetic, Alan.
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Lee Pitts
19/8/2018 10:10:15 pm
This is beyond stupid and reprehensible
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Val Pitcher
19/8/2018 11:05:47 pm
that's disgraceful.....birds are wonderful and we feed them in our garden every day and they give us so much pleasure
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Iain Gibson
20/8/2018 12:27:38 am
Only a complete idiot would issue a licence to kill Swifts, a seriously declining species, for any reason, never mind grounds of "public health or air safety." What on earth is wrong with SNH? They appear to have completely lost their way, as well as losing the confidence of thousands of conservationists throughout Scotland. Many naturalists and professional ecologists now believe SNH to be not fit for purpose. A radical shake-up is urgently required, mainly at the top.
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Henry
20/8/2018 03:10:51 am
It's about time for the Scottish Government take look at this quango and de-power them to make then more questionable to everyone on the action they take. Oh look, here a petition I started on 38 degree to force the government to change the setup of SNH. Please sign if you agree SNH need to be restructured. Thank you.
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Isobel
20/8/2018 09:06:17 am
Why can't these people leave things alone how dare they issue licences to kill those birds, enough is enough wildlife is being lost with the Scottish government building all over the countryside of which the way we are going there will be no countryside left
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Jacques Heyens
20/8/2018 09:28:17 am
Quel triste monde ! C'est du grand n'importe quoi!
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Waxyjo
20/8/2018 01:09:37 pm
I agree with the angry posts above but I'm wondering if there is anything that can be done here..
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Waynetta
20/8/2018 01:25:59 pm
We never actually see the people that come up with this guff do we? They need a piece of our minds.
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Gill Shelton
20/8/2018 01:30:28 pm
Totally unbelievable. 😡😡😡😡
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james reid
20/8/2018 02:32:19 pm
if any birds need culled its the flying rats poeple call seagulls we stay way in from the sea but they are still a pest
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mark ferrante
21/8/2018 02:15:48 am
someones got this useless job and has to come up with something
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Kate Kenner
23/8/2018 01:05:38 pm
We are a truly the most dangerous and ultimate invasive species . I am so angry at our kind that I want to explode sometimes. For people to think this is acceptable is cruel, self centered/human centric, and entitled. Killing birds who bring us song and peace is not only loathsome but irresponsible as all beings (except us) have a role to play in nature. I am writing but nothing can express the anger and frustration and sadness at this. They give their stupid reasons but it is just another excuse to let hunters fulfill their desire to kill, murder, slaughter innocent beings. the only answer for animals and the planet is for humans to become extinct as there seems to be no other way.
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Gary
23/8/2018 02:07:17 pm
Its easy to get emotional about these decisions but legally SNH have to consider "other satisfactory solutions" so if certain birds are causing issues, such as with air safety or environmental health why cant they be mist netted or trapped and relocated. Its just too much trouble for SNH to address !
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Vickey Baker
24/8/2018 05:21:08 am
WHY ARE THEY ALWAYS KILLING SOMETHING?????
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Jed Bland
14/10/2018 12:49:19 pm
In England at any rate (Courtesy Pride's Purge)
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Ms B
16/10/2018 01:38:48 pm
I asked SNH the question why...this is their reply..." On occasion, we are asked to issue a licence for a nest to be removed - for example, if it is in a boiler/heating vent which could lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide or in a kitchen area where it is a public hygiene threat."
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Jacqueline Kirwan
16/10/2018 06:34:40 pm
There has been a huge decline in sparrows,to name just one species.Why in heavens name do they need killing?They don't feed on grouse chicks,take salmon or any other other spurious excuses.Perhaps Jase you should contact Chris Packham or another well known opponent of culls.Because this needs publicising and investigating.
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Joan
16/10/2018 09:01:58 pm
Raging reading this. A licence to kill what they like with no consequences. Makes me so angry
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HR Anderson
16/10/2018 10:02:31 pm
http://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/ourwork/b/scotland/archive/2018/08/24/response-to-licences-granted-by-scottish-natural-heritage.aspx
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Brenda Poppleton
17/10/2018 09:09:26 pm
Humans are destroying our planet not wildlife who gave humans the right to play god and say what can live and what dies ..These animals and birds have as much right to live as we do
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Sue Hays
18/10/2018 09:29:05 pm
I saw an Osprey sweep down onto a loch last year and remove a large salmon, suppose they will be next on the list, need salmon for salmon fishers to fish don't we?
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Tilly Trash
19/10/2018 10:19:03 am
This all sounds impossible. 16 Aug 2018 was the date of the report. How has it taken two months to collect all these posts. I don't believe any of this.
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Mick Crudge
20/10/2018 11:46:43 am
What an absolute disgrace. Ravens, Robins, Swallows, House Sparrows, Starlings, Gannets, Kestrels and Grey Partridge... protecting wildlife? Could you explain how they are doing this... protecting wildlife that is.. !! What a disgrace.
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Nicoli Gray
21/10/2018 12:47:05 pm
I am so saddened by this, I am not believe that this is going ahead. It is abhorrent, how dare we humans kill these magestic, beautiful creatures.
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Toot
22/10/2018 07:30:16 pm
The Scottish are a law unto themselves. All I can say is roll on independence. I don't want to be associated with any country that thinks this is acceptable.
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This is appalling. In fact, more than appalling! No-one seems able to explain why this is happening. Could it be something as outlandish as those against independent rule are trying to de-Anglicise Scotland? Even to the extent of destroying wild life which is identifiably British?
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Hi Patricia,
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Elena Levina
5/11/2018 02:02:03 am
Disgracefull ignorance
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Christine
5/11/2018 06:03:44 am
Totally disgusting. I am ashamed of them.
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Sheila Ginn
5/11/2018 09:08:30 pm
Leave the Beautiful Birds alone, they are living beings like us with a Heart. Sadly the Ignorant beings of The SNH do not appear to have one. If there were a petition against this, i'm sure there would be a huge response.
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Don Taylor
7/11/2018 08:23:34 pm
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/de-power-scottish-natural-heritage
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A Scaife
12/11/2018 06:17:02 pm
How on earth can this happen!
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Mike Webb
13/11/2018 05:00:11 pm
Wow they must be knee deep in sparrows robins and swift. Is this really nessary think not. I'll just say this it sounds like James Hunt. So angry.
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DoctorDalek
15/11/2018 06:47:36 pm
This is yet another proof of mankinds inherent moronity and evil. all one can say in answer to it is a quote from the daleks.
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John Gregory
15/1/2019 09:13:53 am
You do not want people to use lauguage which may be offensive. I think that I, and hundreds of thousands of people like me are the ones who have been hurt and offended by this barbaric and ludicrous policy.
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Ruth Evans
11/9/2019 10:14:44 pm
I don't live in Scotland but the same is happening in England. I'm appalled and heartbroken. I didn't know anything like this went on, and I then I googled bird culling when I noticed there are none of the normal birds around, and I don't hear the dawn chorus any more. How can anyone kill birds? What have they done to us? We are going to end up living in a world with no wildlife left. I can't come up with words strong enough to convey how badly I feel about this. I agree with those who say it is the idiots who allowed this who should be culled.
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