RSPB disappointed by lack of prosecution over Sandringham hen harrier shootings

21/11/2006 00:00:00 Two Hen Harriers shot on Royal Estate

The news that no further action will be taken in the case of the shooting of two hen harriers on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, last month, has been greeted with disappointment by the RSPB and many other organisations. Commenting on the official statement released by the Crown Prosecution Service, the RSPB’s Conservation Director, Dr Mark Avery, said: ‘We regard the killing of hen harriers as one of the most serious of wildlife crime offences. We would always hope that people killing hen harriers are brought to justice.

‘We believe the illegal killing of hen harriers is the reason for this bird’s low UK population, especially in England where only 20 pairs remain.

‘Despite a thorough and swift investigation by the Norfolk Constabulary, the RSPB is disappointed there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the investigation. ‘However, we don’t want the death of these two harriers to be completely in vain. At a time when the one-year old National Wildlife Crime Unit faces a funding crisis and police forces are abolishing dedicated wildlife crime investigation posts, we would like assurances that the investigation of wildlife crime offences will be fully investigated.

‘Operation Artemis - the police operation to protect the hen harrier - needs to be properly resourced, tasked and supported by police and Natural England.’ Who Killed the Harrier?

Who shot the Harrier?
I, said the gun, with my hair trigger.
I shot the Harrier.

Who stole his flight?
I, said the crosshairs, with my telescopic sight.
I stole his flight.

Who silenced his cry?
I, said the bullet, straight as a die
I silenced his cry.

But who held the gun?
I, said the hand, the hand of The Man.
I held the gun.

A short poem by Mandy Coe.