Advice needed

[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.

[willing to learn]

He might just be covered to kill the magpies if he has a general license from DEFRA and it is safe to discharge a air rifle in his Garden. But he certainly won't be covered in any shape or form for killing a Sparrow Hawk. Up to 2 years in jail or a hefty fine. He needs a word in his ear, what next a Goshawk or Merlin.

[Dan Salter]

I thought as magpies are legal quarry anyone can shoot or kill them? so on that count i reckon hes fine but of course not for the Sprawk.

[willing to learn]

Though a "pest species" anyone wanting to kill magpies requires a general licence to do so. There is no problem obtaining one you just have to apply to Defra they are issued free. So unless he has such a licence he is killing them ilegally.

[Dan Salter]

Oh ok...that makes sense.

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by willing to learn

Though a "pest species" anyone wanting to kill magpies requires a general licence to do so. There is no problem obtaining one you just have to apply to Defra they are issued free. So unless he has such a licence he is killing them ilegally.

The Regulations relating to the issue of General Licences are changing with effect from 1st January 2008, from which date they will be 'issued' by Natural England rather than by DEFRA see -

Defra, UK - Wildlife and Countryside - Mammal and bird licensing and advice - General licences

Also, please note that there are certain conditions attached - see, for example, the Licence authorising the killing of certain species (including Magpies) for the protection of other wild birds:-

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/con...%20Gen-L08.pdf

Incidentally, there's no need to 'apply' as such - a Licence can simply be downloaded from the Natural England website.

Finally, so far as shooting a Sparrowhawk is concerned I'm afraid your 'distant' friend is well out of order with that one and I suggest that you or your other half has a quiet/friendly word in his ear warning him of the consequences of such action. You might also suggest that he checks out the firearms regulations to make sure that the use of an air rifle in his garden fully complies with the relevant laws.

Jeff

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

The Sparrowhawk one is well out of order, i'd be tempted to report somebody if I found out they'd done such an act, although it's difficult if they are a family friend, which I guess is where you problem lies

You could have a quiet word with him just to let him know that it's just no acceptable.

[baggy2508]

Hi.
To shoot the Sparrowhawk means he must have been aiming up into the sky, I think that you will find that is illegal in as much that the pellet could have injured a passer-by if it had missed its target.
Regards baggy2508

[solus]

"Friend" or not, I'd ring Crimestoppers (where you remain anonymous) as I suspect this chap has boasted to others (neighbours, mates in the pub, workmates) about his prowess so the report could have come from any one of those, or anyone they told. Although I generally don't believe you should keep things secret from your other half, in this case I think discretion and all that...

[nightshade]

I would certainly shop this person if he cannot behave responsibly with an airgun he should not have one,the laws are very strict but only if they can be enforced,a sparrowhawk is a protected bird not a target for this idiot