Counter petition will not deterr us!

for the benefit of those not on Facebook; UNDETERRED! So it was inevitable that such an emotive subject was going to bring opposition. This weekend has seen the launch of the petition calling for Ravens to retain their protected status in Scotland . Addressed to SNH and launched by Sophie Barrell, of Loughborough, England, a graduate Ecologist; Sophie’s LinkedIn profile describes her supported causes as Animal Welfare as well as Education and Environment. The glob trotting bird botherer is pictured throughout social media with a broad manner of species none of which look to be particularly comfortable being held for photos with this ill informed young lady who wouldn’t know a Suffolk from a Beltex. Sophie and her following has failed to grasp that this campaign is for control not eradication or extinction of a highly aggressive predator which is causing huge impact throughout the Scottish sheep farming community and bringing prolonged suffering to ewes and death to lambs. I would challenge anyone who claims to have animal welfare at the core of their values to condone these vicious attacks and prolonged suffering imposed on livestock. Having reviewed all comments on Sophie’s petition, it can be easily be seen that the larger percentage of support is being offered from the un-appraised back garden ornithologists who are un-read on and geographically far removed from the situation and I would invite anyone with an interest to engage with us prior to putting their name to this petition. I’d like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to add your comments which substantiate the cause whilst signing this petition. The motion to have the Common Raven added to the SNH General Licence is not a campaign which I would have expected anyone unaware of the issue to sign up for. 1600 signatures, largely from rural Scotland sends a very clear message. There is an immediate issue, causing; until now, largely untold losses and suffering in livestock and requiring immediate action. SNH have the power to bring about the required change allowing farmers to protect vulnerable livestock during problematic periods and further more SNH have the right to stipulate conditions on the General Licence to ensure levels of Raven control are acceptable to all parties. Make of this what you will, I’ve tried to reach out to Sophie for discussion but so far this has not been accepted. We will remain undeterred in challenging SNH and the RSPB in a situation which is unacceptable. Regards Danny