RELAXATION OF 'RAVEN RULES' IS WELCOMED

14th January 2009

Scotland 's livestock producers, particularly those in Argyll and the islands, this week welcomed news that the Scottish Government has granted concessions which will allow more rigorous control of predatory ravens.

In areas where the problem is most prevalent, cull limits will be increased, following discussion with the local SNH office on appropriate numbers; this will reduce the need to apply for additional licences to raise the limit of the number of birds that can be taken at a later date.

In circumstances where an individual has a recurring problem the local area office will consider issuing a two-year licence, so that action can be taken immediately a problem arises. These licences will state the number of birds which can be taken in each year.

The Scottish Government is now prepared to consider issuing licences allowing the use of decoys. These licences will be issued in cases where the use of decoys is the only way to draw birds that are causing damage close enough to target an individual to be shot. Such shooting should be part of an overall scaring regime.

Commenting on the concessions, Ross Montague, Head of Policy at the Scottish Countryside Alliance said "the SCA, along with Scotland's livestock farmers, welcomes the recognition by the Scottish Government of the problems caused by predatory ravens and the concessions now being introduced. Hill and upland farmers in particular have experienced significant losses to ravens preying on young lambs and calves. This predation has caused serious animal welfare problems, in addition to the economic impacts, and we hope that these new common-sense rules for control of ravens will help to reduce such suffering."

"Sadly, predation by ravens is not just affecting livestock. The SCA continues to receive many reports from members concerned about the loss of ground nesting moorland birds, including rare species like the Dotterel, to predation by groups of sub-mature ravens. The crucial difference is that, under the current legislation, licences are not granted to control ravens for the purpose of protecting ground nesting birds. This is a serious threat to biodiversity in some moorland areas, and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency."