Advice needed

[epops]

just report it friend or not i would

[naturelover]

dose this bloke have a heart,i dont think, so he needs reporting if he gets away with a sparrow hawk whats next,kestrel,red kite eagle,who knows,look at the swans that were shot earlier in the year and buried,there is too much of this sort of thing going on without punishment,its got to stop,by the way did any one find out what happend about the swans.

[widgeon0]

Lots of sympathy for sparrowhawk,what gives it more right to life than a Magpie.Both are quite common and both kill birds for food so I cannot personaly see the difference,so surely its should be as wrong to shoot either species.
Report the person as you don`t no what there next target will be!..
Ray.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by widgeon0

Lots of sympathy for sparrowhawk,what gives it more right to life than a Magpie.Both are quite common and both kill birds for food so I cannot personaly see the difference,so surely its should be as wrong to shoot either species.
Report the person as you don`t no what there next target will be!..
Ray.

I understand where you are coming from here, but the difference in legal terms is that Sparrowhawk is a fully protected species, whereas Magpies are not. Whether that is ethically just is another matter!

[zek]

Originally Posted by NigelT

Anyone have an idea how I can do something about it without incurring problems.

I'm currently in a similar situation. It's not an easy one. If you report him what's going to be the eventual outcome? I'd be fairly certain the police/wildlife officer won't take it too seriously for a number of reasons - eg: lack of evidence. If they do speak to him on the matter, he may in future refrain from shooting sparrowhawks, which is positive, or on the other hand (and I reckon more likely) he'll continue his activities but will be more cautious about whom he tells.
If he's spoken to by the authorities, and his brain cells are activated as a result, the finger could point at you, and you could find yourself in a mess.
The bottom line is - this case isn't going anywhere. Forget about legislation - there won't be enough evidence.

Is the sparrowhawk in his freezer or did he get rid of it?
Is there a possibility that the sparrowhawk could be forwarded to a taxidermist? That might open other doors of opportunity for you. Failing that I'd say nothing and keep my ear open in the future. Sooner or later you'll get your opportunity.

Zek.

[Garden Carpet]

What about his neigbours.. did none of them witness this.. does he often discharge an air rifle in his garden. If he does he is breaking the law as to do so within 50 metres of residential property or on or over public ground is illegal.

Perhaps your other half might have a word with him as he is clearly in breach of two laws.. if not three with the magpies as I very much doubt he had a license!
Jaki

[demicav]

Originally Posted by NigelT

I have a distant 'friend' who has I understand recently shot a Sparrow Hawk and two magpies in his garden - I guess with an air rifle.

Of course I deplore this kind of butchery but don't know what to do about it.

If I report him it will be obvious where the info came from and it will cause me to be in trouble with my other half who told me about it.

Anyone have an idea how I can do something about it without incurring problems.

BANG OUT OF ORDER, he shouldn't even have an air rifle if he can't behave responsibly with one. I would report as people have to set a standard and live by it. Can't be all wildlife friendly one minute and couldn't care less the next. If you have beliefs stand by them.

[Kayleigh]

You should contact the RSPB. But I doubt anything will come of it.. Royals can shoot what they like and get away with it..

You need to catch them in the act or produce evidence. But he needs to be stopped from shooting in his garden. How old is this moron???

[zek]

Originally Posted by demicav

I would report as people have to set a standard and live by it.

And what will be achieved?

This guy with the air-rifle needs stopping, and reporting it will only allow it to continue. Whilst there may be sufficient legislation, there also needs to be sufficient evidence - really watertight evidence. That's the world we live in.
I can almost guarantee this guy won't even get his knuckles rapped. Our friend needs that sparrowhawk complete with pellet hole, as evidence.

Either;
a) hatch a suitable plan of action for the future, or
b) have a quiet word in the ear of someone in authority who knows what their doing and has an interest in the welfare of wildlife, or
c) forget you ever heard about it in the first place

Zek.

[zek]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

You should contact the RSPB. But I doubt anything will come of it..

Now there's a thought. Remember that 'first impressions' count, even on the telephone. Commence your conversation properly..... You need to get the attention of your listener...

"Hello. My old uncle passed away a couple of weeks ago, and left a substantial amount of money to be donated to a worthwhile charity. I was wondering..... Oh, I've just remembered, before I continue, what should I do about a 'friend' who's shooting sparrowhawks......"

Zek.