Animal Aid

Dear Sirs,

A Shropshire gamekeeper, Kyle Burden, was sentenced to 6 months suspended imprisonment at Telford Magistrates Court on 19 September 2008 for a number of offences of illegally setting spring traps and shooting and clubbing to death badgers and buzzards. The disgraceful case came to the fore because of gamekeeper whistleblowers.

I attended the court on the date of sentencing.

The CPS solicitor told the court that when the whistleblowers approached the National Gamekeepers' Organisation, it told them in so many words that if the issue got out; they would never work as gamekeepers again. The CPS solicitor also told the court that at least one gamekeeper secondly contacted the BASC, which also declined to take action other than provide a recommendation he report his concerns to the RSPB. The allegations involved badgers and the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Their substantiation was clearly a matter for the police.

Both the NGO and the BASC are members of the Code of Good Shooting Practice steering group which underscores the illegality of killing protected species.

The NGO claims to defend and promote gamekeeping, help gamekeepers and ensure high standards throughout the profession.

The BASC mission is to promote and protect sporting shooting and the well-being of the countryside throughout the United Kingdom and overseas.

In view of your high ideals and the setting and promotion of Codes of Good Practice for others, what is your justification for not initiating police action to investigate alleged criminal conduct within your spheres of influence?

Yours faithfully,

K DAVIDSON
Shooting Consultant