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Anger as RSPB allows bird shoots on its land
Last updated at 23:52pm on 13.01.08Britain's foremost bird charity has been branded "disgusting" - for allowing ducks and geese to be shot on one of its nature reserves.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) hands out shooting licences on its land at Langstone Harbour, near Portsmouth, Hampshire - where wildfowlers kill up to ten birds a day for sport.
The shooting has been allowed since 1979 but was revealed publicly only when a pellet-riddled duck carcass was found by a walker.
Barry Hugill, of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: "I find it exceedingly distasteful.
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Langstone Harbour, where wildfowlers kill up to ten birds a day for sport
"How on earth can it be a sanctuary if someone is going to kill the birds that are resident there? I hope the RSPB will reconsider its decision."
Conservationist Robert Hill, who discovered the dead widgeon duck, said: "This is a blood sport - a disgusting, macho, egotistical, self-gratifying act."
But Chris Cockburn, the RSPB warden for Langstone Harbour, said: "If wildfowling was banned the only way we could make it work would be by policing it.
"The reality is that would be very difficult - whereas by licensing it we are effectively controlling the amount of shooting."
Reader views (5)
Steve, you should check out an organisation called Ducks Unlimited - in your own country. As a waterfowling organisation it is also the leading wildfowl and wetland conservation organisation in the world.
- John Eves, Preston, England
Another so-called animal charity getting public money under false pretences!
- Janet Tomlinson, Burton upon Trent
I can't see what the problem is, are ducks rare or endangered? Geese?
The RSPB is not an animal rights charity, nor should it seek to become one. They do wonderful work in protecting birds and habitats in this country and abroad. As far as I am concerned they have every right to allow duck shoots on their land. I only wish they could shoot 90% of the Canada Geese in this country which are a filthy nuisance.
I am a member of the RSPB and will continue to be one.
- Sarah N., London
This story is too strange for fiction. Those running the RSPB should be immediately ejected from their positions and permanently banished from anything to do with the organisation. Shame on these cruel betrayers of the very animals they were supposed to protect.
- Steve Hindi, Elburn, United States of America
Nothing that happens in this counrty surprises me any more when it's connected with animals or their welfare. Money and sport, it seems, must always come first. The RSPB will never get a penny more from me and I will certainly be asking others to do the same until this charity/sanctuary change their policies.
- Audrey Doran, Liverpool, England
