All birds of prey are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. To intentionally kill or injure one is a criminal offence and could result in an unlimited fine or up to six months in jail depending on the jurisdiction. This is not enough! 

Many birds are being captured and killed on game reserves and farms with horrendous consequences for the populations of our protected birds. For example, the UK's already fragile Hen Harrier population had decreased in recent decades due to the capture and killings of young, newly fledged birds. Hen Harriers can king for as long as 7 years - if untroubled by persecution. A large number of the birds vanish or are killed in their first year of life, before they can breed and add to the population.

The persecution is not just exclusive to Hen Harriers. Confirmed incedents of raptor persecution reached a record high in 2020 when the RSPB's Birdcrime report detailed 137 confirmed incedents of birds of prey being shot, captured or poisoned. Almost 2/3 of the incedents occurred on land managed for gamebird shooting! The birds are seen as a threat to the game birds and the land managers persecute the birds of prey for killing the game that they themselves want to kill.

There have been many shocking incedents of killings and poisonings but these continue to occur. Without proper persecution of criminals, our bird populations will continue to decrease untill there are no birds left. 

This petition aims to increase the criminal charges that are given to people who find it acceptable to kill and abuse these precious birds. The criminal charges need to increase by much more than the measly charges the the government has already instated. Please sign this petition and share it to help us reach our target! We need to save as many birds as possible! Support the RSPB and help them to protect our native wildlife! Thank you!