On Wed, 1/7/09, The RSPB <campaigns@supportus.rspb.org.uk> wrote:
From: The RSPB <campaigns@supportus.rspb.org.uk>
Subject: Stop bird of prey slaughter now!
Date: Wednesday, 1 July, 2009, 12:16 PM
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Dear Supporter
I've had to take dead birds to the vets many times before, but this time I had a real sinking feeling. Minutes after handing over the limp corpse I was staring at an X-ray, which confirmed my worst fears.
I could see 11 pieces of gunshot in what had been a magnificent, female peregrine. She had been slaughtered – most probably on her nest. The inscribed metal ring on her leg gave a tiny insight into her life. She hatched seven years ago in Shropshire and, at the time of her death, was in her prime. Quite probably, she had chicks that depended on her and will now starve.
I felt sick and disgusted. How can people stoop so low?
2009 has been a terrible year for cowardly crimes against birds of prey, including eagles and peregrines.
With your help, we can stop this illegal killing.
Sign a pledge now to save our birds of prey.
I work in the RSPB's Investigations team and this has been one of the worst years I can remember.
In the last few weeks, barely a day has gone by without us getting a call about peregrine persecution and other crimes against birds of prey. It's shocking that in the 21st century, these fabulous birds are still routinely shot, trapped and poisoned.
Only a few days ago, one of my colleagues in Scotland went to investigate a dead golden eagle found in Argyll. The police suspect that it was illegally poisoned, using a bait with a very toxic chemical.
I'm desperate for the peregrine and golden eagle deaths not to be mere grisly statistics.
With your support, we can demonstrate to government that we will not tolerate these crimes and put an end to them.
Please sign the RSPB's birds of prey pledge now and help us stop the killing.
Thank you so much.
Mark Thomas
Investigations Unit
PS For more about peregrine persecution, including a photo of the dead female, see here.
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654
