Cumbrian gamekeeper convicted of Buzzard slaughter
On Monday 8th July, Colin Burne, of Winters Park, Penrith, pleaded guilty to the intentional killing of Buzzards on land managed by a private shooting syndicate in Whinfell Forest, near Penrith (Cumbria). The 64-year-old gamekeeper attended Carlisle Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to three charges. These related to the killing of two Buzzards on 11th February 2013, killing five Buzzards before this date and possession of a wooden stick as an item capable of being used to kill the birds. He received a 70-day jail sentence, concurrent on each charge, suspended for 12 months. In sentencing, the judge stated that had it not been for his ill health he would have considered jailing him.
On Monday 11th February 2013, a cage trap containing live Buzzards was found by members of the public on land managed by the shoot. Cage traps can lawfully be used to control certain crow species, but any non-target species that become accidentally caught, such as Buzzards and other birds of prey, must be released unharmed. The next day RSPB Investigations Officers set up a covert camera near the trap site. When the footage was retrieved it showed Colin Burne entering the trap and intentionally killing two buzzards by beating them to death with a wooden stick.
Burne clubbing one of the Buzzards to death with a wooden stick (Videograb: RSPB).
Burne places one of the dead Buzzards in a bucket (Videograb: RSPB).
Bob Elliot, Head of RSPB Investigations, said: "After we retrieved the footage and played it back, we were surprised at the openness with which Burne had killed the birds. Buzzards were given full legal protection in 1954 — six years after Burne was born — but he calmly dispatched the birds as though it was a routine operation, rather than an illegal act killing a protected species."
A search of the trap site by officers from Cumbria Constabulary and the RSPB revealed the presence of the remains of many other Buzzards, showing that the killing of these birds at this site had become a regular practice. Burne admitted to the killing of five of these birds. Mr Elliot added, "Buzzards are magnificent birds and their presence in the countryside brings pleasure to many people. This case confirms the urgent need to tighten up the use of crow cage traps to ensure that protected species, such as Buzzards, are not routinely killed."
PC Helen Felton, who led the investigation for Cumbria Constabulary, commented: "This was a despicable crime in which someone who was in a position of trust as a gamekeeper trapped Buzzards and then later came back to kill them. From what was found nearby, it was clear that this practice had been taking place for some time. The sentence that has been given today highlights how wildlife crime is not tolerated in Cumbria. Those people who believe they can kill protected species will be brought to justice."
Two of Colin Burne's Buzzard victims, picked up by PC Helen Felton and the RSPB (Credit).
BirdGuides is dedicated to supporting the RSPB investigations team, and one of our news team played a small but important role in the Cumbrian case, putting the member of the public directly in touch with the RSPB. We're pleased to be able to play a part in reducing the persecution of our native birds and strongly recommend noting the RSPB investigations team contact details. To report a case of persecution, you can email crime@rspb.org.uk.
