Dorset one of the worst counties for illegal bird killing

The Birdcrime 2021 report states that illegal killings of birds of prey is at a "significantly high level in England."

Dorset is one of the worst counties based on 2021 data, with 12 incidents - only Norfolk (13 incidents) has more.

In both Dorset and Norfolk cases are dominated by pheasant and partridge shootings.

In February 2022, an investigation was launched following the death of a white-tailed eagle in Dorset.

The investigation was concluded with "insufficient evidence" to prosecute, despite high levels of brodifacoum – a rat poison – being found within the bird.

Jenny Shelton, RSBP Investigations, said: "There were a number of significant police investigations in 2021 involving gamekeepers on pheasant shoots, including several in Dorset which are still ongoing.

"And earlier this year, a white-tailed eagle was found dead on a shooting estate in Dorset, poisoned with seven times the lethal dose of a highly dangerous rodenticide.

"The presence of toxic chemicals such as these in the countryside will of course be of huge concern to anyone living in the area, not just for the risk it poses to wildlife but to people and pets too."

All birds of prey are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Mark Thomas, RSPB head of investigations UK, said: "The illegal shooting, trapping and poisoning of birds of prey has no place in modern society.

"In a nature and climate emergency, the deliberate destruction of protected species for financial gain is completely devastating and unacceptable."

Beccy Speight, RSPB chief executive, said: "The evidence shows that illegal persecution of birds of prey - which is time and time again linked to gamebird shooting - is holding back the recovery of some key species.

"The United Nations report makes clear what must be done to end these wildlife crimes and we call on the new government in Westminster to act and pave the way towards a sustainable future, respectful of the law."