With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:27 AM Page 1

With Extreme Prejudice The culling of British wildlife

Researched and written by Kate Fowler-Reeves With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 2

Introduction

Across the UK, wild animals and birds are killed by the Contents million. One hundred centuries Introduction...... 1 of manipulating nature – controlling, shaping, taming, Aliens, pests and predators ...... 2 confining, restraining, breeding The Animals: and terminating – have imbued Badgers ...... 6 our society with the notion Boar ...... 8 that if a plant or animal is not Canada Geese ...... 10 Cormorants ...... 12 serving a useful purpose, it Corvids...... 14 is perfectly acceptable to Deer...... 16 snuff it out. Foxes ...... 20 Goats ...... 22 Intolerance of other species is now so Gulls...... 24 great that mass killings are rarely even Hedgehogs ...... 26 commented on. Animals and birds are Mink...... 28 persecuted for daring to feed themselves Moles...... 30 and rear offspring; or for being introduced Parakeets ...... 32 to, or abandoned in, an area where they pursue and promote mass killings of Pigeons...... 34 naturally would not live. They are shot, wildlife, examine their reasoning and Rabbits ...... 36 poisoned, trapped and snared for living in explore their hidden motivations. We also Raptors ...... 38 what is left of their fast-dwindling habitat or put forward a proposition: that there must Rats ...... 40 for adapting to a landscape that – thanks be a sea change in society’s thinking. Ruddy Ducks...... 42 to human intervention – is changing Compassionate guardianship needs to Seals ...... 44 rapidly. They are killed because they are guide us in our care of this planet and its Squirrels, grey...... 46 considered noisy, messy or unsightly. But non-human inhabitants. Stoats and weasels ...... 48 most of all, they are persecuted because Protecting the habitats on which animals Killing Methods ...... 50 they pose a financial threat to industries depend, even if that means stepping back and ‘sports’, many of which have as their and allowing nature to reclaim territory, is Changing Fashions in Conservation ...... 55 primary objective the killing of other essential. And respecting individual Unintended Consequences ...... 56 animals or birds. These are the shooting, animals, rather than calculating and Conclusion ...... 57 sea fishing, angling and farming industries. attempting to recalibrate numbers, will References ...... 60 In this report, we examine the forces that encourage true biodiversity.

‘Protecting the habitats on which animals depend, even if that means stepping back and allowing nature to reclaim territory, is essential.’ 1 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 4

Aliens, pests and predators

The reasons given for killing wildlife nowadays tend to fall into three categories: animals are vilified either as aliens, pests or predators. Some – like the much-maligned grey squirrel – fall into all three.

Aliens non-natives being released or escaping. Scientist Curbing such activities is the logical place to In 2006, New start should we really be concerned with alien pointed to the folly of trying to species. Killing individuals who – through no impose genetic purity on a constantly fault of their own – have been brought to this 1 shifting environment. Nature is not pure country and have adapted to life in the British or fixed and there is no clear divide countryside reveals a disturbingly purist between alien and native species. As the tendency in our collective thinking. environment changes increasingly quickly, are we to exterminate every species that strays from its traditional and allotted boundaries and thrives in the new Main proponents of environment? Killing animals who adapt to new surroundings flies in the face of ‘alien’ culling Darwinism. It is unnatural. Conservation groups, including Persecuting alien species is not a uniform • Scottish Natural Heritage, policy, which may indicate that killing for Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, some non-nativeness is more of an excuse than a Wildlife Trusts, English Nature legitimate reason. Some aliens – like the rare moth who was found in the UK in • Forestry groups, including 2006 – are welcomed and make Forestry Commission, Timber headlines.2 But should a sufficiently vocal Growers Association or powerful vested interest want members • Shooting groups, including the of an ‘alien’ or ‘invasive’ species killed – for Game Conservancy Trust, British whatever self-serving reason – their Association for Shooting and foreignness provides a ready-made excuse. Conservation People are constantly moving animals Bird groups including Royal around the planet and forcing animals to • Society for the Protection of live in unnatural and alien environments. Birds, Songbird Survival Chickens are not native to Britain and nor are cows or cats, but people have ensured • Farmers that large numbers of each remain and • Hunters reproduce here. Local and national political Transporting around the globe exotic • authorities animals for the pet, fur, zoo and vivisection trades has increased the number of

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Predators ‘The field that they once It is strange that we Main proponents of foraged in is now a donate so much money to charities that protect predators like tigers and lions ‘predator’ culling manicured lawn or golf overseas and yet, in certain circles, there Shooting groups, including the course but they continue is little empathy for predator species in • Game Conservancy Trust, British the UK. They are blamed simply for being to grub for their meal. Association for Shooting and wild, for feeding themselves and rearing Conservation, the Countryside Perhaps they damage their young. They are denounced simply Alliance and the Game for surviving. Generally, it is when industry plants or trees – Farmers Association or ‘sporting’ interests conflict with the sometimes simply by survival of the predators, that they are • Fishing industry eating them – and for cynically and systematically demonised • Anglers and killed. Bird groups including Royal these ‘crimes’, they pay 3 • Phrases like ‘prodigious predator’ or Society for the Protection of with their lives.’ ‘ruthless predator’ add fuel to the flames Birds, Songbird Survival of intolerance and allow killing to be Farmers undertaken with little opposition. People • by councils, sports clubs and members of who have never even been to a farm trot Hunters Pests • PEST the public to dispatch such ‘pests’. Such is out the question: ‘Have you ever seen The term ‘pest’ is the intolerance of wildlife that few people what a fox does in a chicken run?’ With applied to any animal or bird who stop to think of the suffering inflicted. hundreds of millions of chickens being inconveniences a person in some way. Animals can be seen as pests if they are reared in appalling intensive conditions But with the relentless encroachment of simply in the ‘wrong’ place. But animals only to be shackled and killed by people building developments into natural spaces, are not weeds that can be grubbed up and each year, one might be forgiven for animals become displaced. The tracks they thrown on the compost heap. They are thinking that their anger is misdirected. once used are destroyed; their food sources sentient beings, capable of feeling distress, Animals need to eat. If people provide gone. As they try to adapt and eke out a fear and pain. Choosing to snuff out their them with ready-meals in the form of living, their lives bring them into close ‘inconvenient’ lives reveals a small-minded a thousand pheasant poults or an proximity with people. The field that they malevolence. over-stocked fish farm, they cannot be once foraged in is now a manicured lawn or blamed for eating them. golf course but they continue to grub for their Predation is not a catastrophe but a part meal. Perhaps they damage plants or trees of the ecological balancing of species – sometimes simply by eating them – and and ecosystems. Predatory animals cannot for these ‘crimes’, they pay with their lives. Main proponents of be held morally accountable for their The public’s fears are ignited and stoked by ‘pest’ culling actions and yet they are judged and hugely profitable pest control companies. sentenced as if they were. Carnivorous They generate hysteria about rats and pigeons • Pest control companies animals need meat, so why persecute carrying disease when evidence does not Shooting groups them simply for surviving? support their case. They print images of • ferocious-looking beasts, when those animals • Farmers are, in reality, gentle and shy. They have done ‘Predation is not a catastrophe but a part of the Local authorities such sterling work in misrepresenting wildlife, • ecological balancing of species and ecosystems.’ that in every town and city, they are employed 4 5 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 8

‘Since 1975, more than 30,000 badgers have been killed in an attempt to curb bTB in cattle. Although essentially Tests revealed that 80 per cent of the slaughtered woodland dwellers, animals were free of bTB.’ badgers have become habituated to more tuberculin skin test result) were infected cowpats.16 Blaming badgers for open areas and can slaughtered. By comparison, 4,189,000 a disease of modern cattle farming and animals (including 590,000 cattle) were then persecuting them for becoming be seen in suburban destroyed during the FMD outbreak. In infected with it is duplicitous in the gardens and even in addition, 90,000 cattle are culled annually extreme. Measures can be taken to due to mastitis, 31,000 due to lameness reduce or eradicate bovine TB from farms, PEST villages as they forage and 125,000 due to infertility.8 which do not involve the killing of wildlife. for food at night. Although good husbandry and extensive They do, however, require the raising of farming practises can keep bTB and other welfare standards. diseases in check and prevent the deaths Research has shown that where hedges of tens of thousands of animals prior to and ungrazed strips of land are left on a slaughter, it is much simpler to blame a farm, incidence of bTB drops.17 This may ‘wild reservoir’ for the infection. Badgers be because, on such environmentally are currently scapegoated but deer9 have sensitive farms, welfare standards are Badgers also been in the frame. The National Beef higher and therefore immunity is Association has called for badgers to be stronger.18 Unsurprisingly, cattle with Historically, badgers have been 25,000 cows testing positive for the killed across entire counties, using snares, mineral deficiencies are more susceptible 6 persecuted relentlessly. In Tudor times, disease in 2006. While bTB is rarely fatal guns and gassing with carbon monoxide.10 to disease, including bTB. Providing a bounty was paid for their destruction of itself in animals, milk yields are reduced mineral licks or enriching the soil – to protect grain4, and throughout the and the trade in infected flesh is In Defence depleted by years of intensive farming and eighteenth century, they were hunted with prohibited. Bovine TB – along with many fertilizing – has also allowed many farms to hounds at night, almost to the brink of other farmed animal diseases – is an Since 1975, more than 30,000 badgers remain free of bTB, while those around extinction. During the nineteenth century, inevitable product of the neglect, filth and have been killed in an attempt to curb bTB them succumb.19 ‘brock-hunters’ killed them for sport and intensification of modern-day farming in cattle. Tests revealed that 80 per cent of Farmers who are genuinely committed to 11 caught them for baiting (pitching in fights practices. And the movement of cattle the slaughtered animals were free of bTB. eradicating diseases clean up their act, against dogs) – a pastime which, although around the country – from market to farm, And despite virtually exterminating raise welfare standards and welcome the now illegal, continues today. Gamekeepers between farms, and from farm to badgers from four counties in the republic pre-movement testing of all cattle. Those 5 freely killed badgers until the animals and slaughterhouse – spreads the disease of Ireland, a massive bTB problem remains looking for a way to deflect attention 12 their setts were afforded legal protection in nationwide. While the number of cows who in each of those areas. from their own inadequacies call for the 1992. While gamekeepers continue to be test positive for bTB appears high, at least A five-year trial cull in Britain, which cost government to cull badgers. And some 13 convicted of killing badgers, it is the farming 250,000 adult cattle die or are killed taxpayers an estimated £35 million and in won’t adhere to the law and undertake 14 community that poses the largest threat. annually because of conditions associated which 11,000 badgers were killed, illegal killings of their own.20 with squalor and low welfare standards.7 actually helped spread the disease further.15 So, why the focus on bTB and the role that Despite the mass killings, it is more likely Targeted badgers play? that cattle infect badgers than vice versa Killing Methods Rates of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) have To put bTB into context: in 2002, 19,792 because of the latter’s habit of seeking Trapping and shooting, snaring, gassing. risen dramatically in recent decades, with bTB reactors (cattle who gave a positive worms (their staple diet) from under 6 7 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 10

They state that a cull is justified because Having closed our boar damage wild plants, such as bluebells. But, unsurprisingly, concern over minds to the wildflowers does not stretch to calling for possibility of total eradication of the animals. After all, if interspecies boar were eradicated completely, there “

would be none left for the lucrative sport camaraderie without shooting lobby to hunt. Farmers also favour a cull of boar, citing respect to ‘domestic’

crop damage and the potential for the and ‘wild’, we have spread of disease to farmed pigs as their main problems.22 driven to extinction Boar lived Other reasons given include: damage one species after “ wild in to gardens and sports fields, the risk of passing diseases to farmed animals, another. We have Britain until, danger to people and causing road become exterminators traffic accidents.23 it is thought, or masters, cutthroats the thirteenth PEST In Defence and bullies. century. Boars were introduced to the UK by Renewing Animal Relationships farmers and hunters with the sole aim of – Michael Tobias killing them, either for profit or for fun. That some have escaped and established themselves after centuries of persecution resulting piglets would not be eligible means that they finally have a chance to for sale to a slaughterhouse.25 live a natural existence. Boar While boar can be aggressive when they There are an estimated 1,000 boar living have young, there are very few reported Subsequently, there were a number of in the wild,24 which makes them a rarity. ‘After all, if boar were incidents where people have felt unsafe. reintroductions from Continental herds by Despite this, some people rank more In fact, boar who have been living freely royalty and aristocracy for the purposes eradicated completely, highly perfect lawns and bluebells than the for some time become so shy and retiring of hunting. All of these animals died out or right of wild animals to live freely and there would be none left that wildlife photographers have had were killed during the seventeenth century feed themselves. difficulty in capturing them on film.26 and, for 300 years, there were no boars for the lucrative sport It is little surprise that farmers want to kill With natural habitats dwindling, and wildlife living in Britain. them – profit often outweighs ethics in the shooting lobby to hunt.’ suffering from human intervention, it is In the 1980s, farmers saw a chance to farming world – but there is a far greater remarkable that a new species can survive diversify and began to farm wild boar. risk of farmed animals contracting diseases and thrive. We should be thrilled that boar Escapees from farms and from private from the stressed, overcrowded and filthy can live freely in Britain, and not see their zoological collections were able to establish Targeted conditions in which they are forced to live, survival as an opportunity simply to bag herds and once again live in the wild. Shooting lobbyists favour a cull as a ‘sport’, than from contact with a rare wild animal. another trophy. While their ideal home is in woodlands, which would help boost the rural economy. Although most pigs are still intensively boar are able to live in a variety of habitats. Shooters are keen to bag trophies and farmed in units, one reason that pig They are hardy animals and able to survive now that boars are established in the UK, farmers call for a cull is that, should a Killing Methods 21 in diverse conditions. this is another animal for their tick list. wild boar breed with a domestic pig, the Shooting. 8 9 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 12

PEST Targeted ‘Geese often mate for Although popular with the public, Canada life and can pine to geese have their fair share of enemies. Geese eat grass and forage for insects, death at the loss of and they clip the tops off some cereals, their partner. Killing and these dietary habits have brought them into conflict with park attendants, them for being a golfers and farmers. nuisance is intolerant One golf club in Greater Manchester threatened to shoot an entire flock of and inhumane.’ 50 birds because ‘there have been some instances when they’ve stopped While there can be no legitimate reason balls getting to the greens and the for killing them, if individual flocks are players get really annoyed’.28 not tolerated, non-lethal measures Geese are further charged with are available. congregating around ponds and lakes In parks, putting up special feeding areas where they eat, defecate and ‘cause can keep geese and their mess in one a nuisance’. area, which makes it easier to keep clean. Other complaints made against them Although goose mess may look unsightly, include being aggressive during nesting, it is not a health hazard. and the risk that they might collide Geese like to have access to and from with aircraft. water, so erecting fences – at least 18 Finally, it is said that they compete with inches high – will keep them away from native wildfowl for resources and ponds and lakes. Planting rushes in the nesting sites.29 water or shrubs around the water’s edge Canada geese were brought to the UK in 1678 by also deters them. In Defence As a last resort, egg control – soaking eggs in paraffin – can reduce numbers Charles II as ornamentals for St James’s Park and so Human activity has led to the presence but this must be done within days of that they could be shot for sport. and flourishing of geese in the UK. being laid, and one egg must be left to Although the numbers of geese have prevent another clutch being laid. stabilised, grassy areas such as golf Geese often mate for life and can pine to courses will inevitably attract the birds. death at the loss of their partner. Killing They cannot be blamed for using habitats them for being a nuisance is intolerant – whether natural or fabricated – that and inhumane. Canada Geese perfectly suit their needs. That they have adapted to the human- Numbers remained stable until the Around the same time, shooters dispersed generated landscape is wonderful. If they Killing Methods 1950s when they increased rapidly. the geese more widely for the pleasure of compete with other wildfowl – many of Shooting. This was, in part, due to large areas of the shooting them. whom are also shot for sport or killed for Home Counties being dug up for road Today, however, the Canada geese other reasons – then that is nature’s way: building. The gravel pits created provided population growth has slowed and stabilised, flux and change, and the survival of those ideal breeding grounds for the geese. and is even declining in some areas.27 most suited to the environment. 10 11 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 14

‘Is the damage inflicted fish-eating birds, such people get to indulge in two favourite deadly pastimes: upon individual fish by fishing and shooting. cormorants worse than what happens to fish in In Defence Lakes and rivers are routinely restocked intensive farms, or those with fish for the sport of anglers. Tens of hauled up from the thousands are released into waterways, just so someone can haul them out again. seabed by trawlers, or The dice are loaded very much in favour of hooked – sometimes people in this sport. That wild birds should seek to take advantage of well-stocked through the eye or waterways is perfectly natural and, while stomach – by anglers?’ predation is not pretty – see an orca killing a seal or a lion killing an antelope – it is what makes our planet so diverse. Is the damage inflicted upon individual fish Targeted by cormorants worse than what happens The cormorants’ diet of fish brings conflict to fish in intensive farms, or those hauled with anglers and fish farmers. In 2005, up from the seabed by trawlers, or hooked following pressure from these interests, – sometimes though the eye or stomach – permission was granted for 3000 by anglers? Protection of fish is clearly not cormorants to be shot per year. on the agenda of the fishing industry and Historically, Anglers want waterways stocked full of fish anglers. They seek to kill cormorants to numbers of for them to catch, and many thousands are make their profits even greater and their introduced to rivers and lakes for just this sport even easier. cormorants in reason each year. Cormorants take Using bird scarers, and providing fish with the UK have advantage of these well-stocked waterways refuges help ease predation. Not offering and congregate there. Similarly, cormorants an all-you-can-eat buffet would fluctuated wildly. commercial fisheries are an attractive spot also help.

for cormorants and provide easy pickings. Cormorants are charged with grabbing fish Killing Methods

that are too large for them to swallow and Shooting. so leaving injured fish with grisly wounds. Not surprisingly, the shooting lobby Cormorants welcomes all calls for a cormorant cull. “ After all, it is a double-whammy. As Tim Think occasionally At the turn of the last century, they were farms have opened up. Although proficient Russell of the British Association for of the suffering of rather rare30 but numbers have since at diving to catch their prey, their feathers Shooting and Conservation said: ‘Many increased and there are an estimated are not waterproof, which is why they can people who shoot are also keen anglers which you spare 31 7,500 pairs in Britain. be seen in that characteristic pose – and have seen at first hand the devastation yourself the sight. Cormorants are native to the UK coastline standing on branches or rocks with wings which a colony of cormorants can cause to “ but have moved inland as well-stocked fish outstretched while they dry. inland fisheries and waterways.’ In killing Albert Schweitzer 12 13 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 16

Corvids – which include crows, rooks, jackdaws, jays and The assumption that magpies – can be found right across the UK. Corvids animals are without rights and the illusion Some are scavangers and will

supplement their diet of insects with “that our treatment of scraps and carrion. Others eat grains, them has no moral nuts and insects.

The crow family have complex social significance is a structures and are among the most positively outrageous intelligent of birds, and yet they have been persecuted for centuries. During example of Western“ the sixteenth century, bounties were paid crudity and barbarity. to those who killed magpies, although few parishes took up the offer. But with Universal compassion the advent of widespread game shoots in is the only guarantee the eighteenth century, their persecution was stepped up a gear, and this level of morality. of intolerance has continued.34 Schopenhauer Targeted Corvids’ need to eat creates enemies in In Defence the farming and game shooting industries. Farmers target them because they eat If piles of feed are left out for livestock, seed, seedlings and food put out for one can’t blame a wild bird for eating a cows and sheep.35 little of it. Intensive agriculture, the Gamekeepers target them because they destruction of hedgerows and woodlands, eat eggs and chicks on game farms. They the liberal use of powerful herbicides and are commonly caught in Larsen traps – insecticides, planting of monocrops and devices designed by a Danish gamekeeper the use of heavy machinery have all but now banned in his own country affected wild bird populations dramatically. because of their inhumanity. A live bird And yet we blame the corvids for daring is placed in one compartment of the trap, to feed themselves, and make them to act as a decoy for other birds. Once pay with their lives. caught, birds are dispatched by the PEST gamekeeper. Decoy birds have been found Killing Methods dead inside traps, presumably having Shooting of birds on their nests,37 or starved to death. Larsen traps were trapping and then shooting. introduced to the UK by the charity, The Game Conservancy Trust, in 1988 and remain legal in this country.36

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‘That some species set up to monitor the number of accidents involving deer on the roads.43 are not native to Britain renders them In Defence vulnerable to culling.’ The reasons given for culling deer are a mish mash of misguided ideologies and excuses. There are six types of While deer are blamed for the destruction of woodlands and habitats, the impact on Targeted PEST deer living in the UK: these landscapes of sheep – a species Roe, Red, Fallow, The reasons for killing deer are varied and introduced to the UK and one whose are advanced by some unlikely interests. numbers far outstrip those of deer – Sika, Muntjac and Conservationists and bird groups, including is conveniently overlooked. This is, Chinese Water Deer. the Woodland Trust, the RSPB and the presumably, because a lot of people British Trust for Ornithology, demand the make money from farming sheep. culling of deer to protect trees and popular Not all woodland organisations approve of birds such as woodpeckers and killing wildlife. Dan Morrell, the director of bullfinches.39 40 Conservationists also Future Forests, which has planted about blame deer for eating bluebells, oxslips 1.25 million saplings over the past five and orchids.41 years, says: ‘I would much rather see the Deer By eating and damaging broadleaf woods Government spending money on fences and forests, deer are said to prevent and putting the saplings in tree shelters, Roe are indigenous to the UK. They have Japanese Sika were probably first brought woodland regeneration and to contribute such as protective tubes, rather than a been present since before recorded to England in 1860, when a pair was given to the decline in bird numbers. Their large culling campaign … The deer have history and seem to have undergone to London Zoo. Other zoos and parks dietary habits are also said to have a to eat as well.’44 little evolutionary change. Forest clearance brought more to our shores and soon knock-on effect for ground nesting Blaming deer for impacting on populations and over–hunting led to their extinction escapees and deliberate releases led to dormice and bank voles. of birds, dormice and bank voles deflects by 1800, apart from in Scotland where feral populations. Farmers blame deer for eating and attention away from the devastating effect of small pockets of woodland still harboured damaging crops. ‘development’ on these wild animals. It is the It is believed that the Duke of Bedford first the Roe. Since then, reintroductions That some species are not native to Britain loss of suitable habitat due to human activity introduced Muntjac to Woburn Park in the have helped to re-establish the species. renders them vulnerable to culling. It is that has led to the decrease in dormouse nineteenth century. Again, a number of said that they weaken native bloodlines by numbers. According to the Kent Wildlife Red deer are also indigenous, and are deliberate releases – the most significant interbreeding with indigenous deer. Trust, ‘as woods become separated by the largest mammal in Britain. The species being from Whipsnade Zoo in 1921 – Gamekeepers want deer killed, too. roads, buildings and farmland, dormouse has survived an ice age and almost allowed Muntjac herds to form in the wild. Muntjac in particular can disrupt a shoot populations become isolated and more at constant hunting for millions of years. The current feral population of Chinese by running through the woodland, flushing risk of local extinction.’45 And, despite Fossil evidence shows that fallow deer Water Deer derives from a number of gamebirds into the air before the guns are pressures on their habitats and the 42 were present before the last Ice Age, deliberate releases and escapees. It is ready to fire at them. ‘devastation’ of marauding deer, bank and were made extinct during it. They suggested that government officials working Finally, all types of deer are charged with voles are thriving and common throughout were subsequently reintroduced, possibly at Woburn Abbey during the Second World causing traffic accidents. According to the the UK.46 by the Normans, and are currently the War were less than diligent in closing the Deer Collisions Project, 30,000 to 50,000 One statement by the pro-culling most widely distributed deer species gates! Chinese Water Deer are the UK’s least deer are killed on the roads each year, Woodland Trust gives an indication of the found wild in the UK. common deer species, and they are red although the number of human fatalities is real reasons for the killing of deer. They listed as endangered in their homeland.38 unknown. A database of collisions is being state: ‘The Woodland Trust monitors the 16 17 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 20

impact of deer at our sites and assesses There will be no the degree to which the deer are affecting our objectives for the management of justice as long as man“ individual sites and the wider semi-natural will stand with a knife habitats around them.’ Clearly, the Woodland Trust has its own views about “or with a gun and how woodlands should look and are trying destroy those who are to impose their ideal onto a shifting and evolving landscape. Animals who do not fit weaker than he is. neatly into their vision are exterminated.47 Isaac Bashevis Singer That some damage to crops will be caused by animals is inevitable and should be factored into the cost of food production. The alternative is to cull all wildlife and live weakening of native bloodlines is at best in a barren landscape. Deer-proof fencing transparent nonsense, and at worst a form should be erected where damage is of ecofascism. Interbreeding of deer deemed unacceptable. Ironically, strengthens and widens the gene pool, and modern-day farming practices (and allows deer to thrive. It is called evolution. warmer climates) have helped Muntjac, Besides, calls for the culling of pure-bred roe and fallow deer to become established deer are common, so their genetically and to spread.48 ‘pure’ status is of no protection to them. It suits the £200 million a year stalking As for road safety, deer are culled by industry to play up the damage done by shooting. In so doing, marksmen increase deer. It is, after all, big business. Some the likelihood of animals bolting and stalkers will pay up to £1000 for the right colliding with vehicles. Enforcing speed to hunt a trophy roebuck49 and the limits in areas where deer are likely to industry is said to be ‘burgeoning’. This cross roads makes accidents less likely. has had a huge impact on deer numbers Education about what to do if deer are in some areas. Says one Scottish deer spotted on the roads would help drivers stalker: ‘Four years ago, in one particular react appropriately. glen, we counted 1,000 deer. Now there Deer numbers are self-limiting, should is none… I know of stalkers being ferried people care to leave the task to nature. around by helicopter in order to cull as They are already under pressure from many as possible.’50 A deerstalker from shifting landscapes, road building and Dorset had the same experience: ‘I’ve other developments, and the smaller been out with clients for days without non-native deer like Muntjcs are already seeing a single deer… To annihilate one susceptible to cold weather, arthritis and 53 species to save another is ridiculous.’51 dog attacks. Electric and other types of Even the shooting press is alarmed by fencing can deter them from areas where some of the culling methods, particularly they are unwanted and tree guards can the use of helicopters to ‘aid in controlling protect saplings. red deer’.52 The charge that interbreeding of native Killing Methods deer and non-native deer causes a Shooting. 19 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 22

PEST ‘Preserving habitats and encouraging diversity, Animals are said to be irrespective of which animals are currently in native to Britain if they vogue, is a worthy enterprise.’ arrived since the last they are making animals pay with their open, it is both more productive and more Ice Age without human lives to suit their fetishes. Preserving humane to lobby local authorities to install assistance. This makes habitats and encouraging diversity, less primitive waste disposal systems. irrespective of which animals and birds are Killing them shows a miserly unwillingness foxes native to Britain, currently in vogue, is a worthy enterprise. to share even a small corner of our world even though some have Forcing individual species to survive where with other animals. they naturally are unable, is not. Irrespective of the ethics of killing foxes, been imported to these Foxes eat a wide variety of foods and will research shows that culling them does not 56 shores, specifically to take domestic rabbits, farmed pheasants, control their numbers. They control their lambs and chickens given the opportunity. own numbers and breed according to the be hunted. But in modern-day factory farms, chickens amount of food available. are not accessible. The oft-repeated question ‘have you seen what a fox does Killing Methods in a henhouse?’ harks back to a bygone era, long before ‘henhouses’ consisted of Trapped, snared, shot, hunted with thousands of birds packed densely into hounds (until 2005). Foxes one filthy shed. Most lamb mortality occurs in the first week of life and is due overwhelmingly to Foxes are opportunistic feeders and their should they be afforded the opportunity of poor husbandry rather than predation.55 adaptibility has allowed them to survive doing so. We have enslaved the If fox predation were a serious problem, in a variety of habitats, ranging from Gamekeepers routinely kill foxes because some farmers would need to explain why rest of the animal isolated woodlands to city centres. they may take grain intended for their they encouraged the breeding of foxes on farmed pheasants or partridges, or the creation, and have

their land in order to provide more quarry poults themselves. Targeted to be hunted. treated our distant Some urban dwellers also employ pest “ Urban dwellers see precious little wildlife,

It is precisely because they are so control companies to kill foxes because cousins in fur and and foxes are likely to be the only wild adaptable that foxes have made the animals dig up lawns, looking for mammal they have any contact with. We feather so badly that enemies: notably among conservation worms, tip over dustbins or raid rubbish should be thrilled that foxes manage to “ groups, farmers and those with game sacks left out in the street. beyond doubt, if they shooting interests. survive in our towns and cities, and were able to formulate Some conservation groups, including the tolerate any small inconvenience that may Essex Wildlife Trust, have initiated fox In Defence bring. Bin lids can be secured and foxes a religion, they would culls with the aim of protecting other Nature is not fixed, and predation is a humanely deterred. Most local authorities depict the Devil in species including ground-nesting birds natural feature of the animal kingdom. in urban areas have now replaced small such as lapwings.54 Conservationists who focus on making dustbins and plastic-bags with wheelie-bins human form. Some farmers cite predation as their local environments fit their idealised view to which foxes cannot gain access. In reason for killing foxes. Chickens and of what it should look like, and who should areas where plastic bags remain, rather William Ralph Inge, lambs, they say, may be killed by foxes, live in it, are fighting a losing battle. And than complain about animals ripping them Outspoken Essays, 1922 20 21 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 24

In Defence ecologist with Snowdonia national park said ‘I suppose we could put up goat-proof Britain used to have 250 herds of wild fences but that would cost millions.’63 goats; now there are fewer than 50. Killing them is a cheaper solution. Descendants of ancient breeds still live Even though it is the goats who pay with free, alongside the offspring of more their lives, they continue to be released recently escaped individuals. As it is into areas where people desire them to be, impossible to tell which goats are British and then they are destroyed when deemed ‘primitives’ just by looking at them, culls an inconvenience. During the 1980s, a hasten the extinction of an ancient breed. herd was released on Exmoor in order to The British feral goat research group says help ‘manage’ the land.64 This herd is now Goats were that, before a recent Snowdon cull, no being culled.65 But goats are not census had been carried out. The culling introduced to lawnmowers that can be put away when had begun with no real knowledge of how the job is done. Why should they be killed the UK as many goats there were to start with.61 for surviving in an area to which they have Concerns have been voiced that goats are domestic stock been taken? being blamed for damage done by sheep, PEST One reason given for not capturing and centuries ago. horses, rabbits and – mainly – humans.62 relocating any goats that do cause trouble Overgrazing is a common problem, caused is that it would be stressful for the animals, by people packing too many domesticated and yet goats are relocated and released animals onto an area of land. The damage all the time when it suits a purpose. In done can be significant but it is easier to March 2007, the National Trust (NT) killed blame wild goats for their minor role. 18 goats whom the conservation It is inevitable that wild animals will die on Goats organisation had introduced to Purbeck in roads – and that the larger species ‘cause’ Dorset. The animals had been released by accidents – when roads are built through Some escaped or were turned loose and the NT to keep scrub down but when they Targeted their landscape. Co-opting the natural their descendants still roam wild in areas escaped from a designated area, the Trust Because goats eat a wide variety of plants, habitat of goats and other animals and across the country. Herds can be found in simply moved them to yet another they have been targeted by forestry then hurtling through it in metal boxes is Ireland, Wales, Scotland and the West Country. location. When they jumped fences at the groups, conservationists and gardeners. bound to cause collisions with animals, The Domesday Book recorded 75 goats in new site, they were shot.66 The Trust later Some farmers approve of goat culls but these cannot be said to be the fault the Manor of Lyntonia (Devon) and a wild apologised, saying: ‘Given the offers that because goats ‘compete with’ – i.e. eat of the animals. herd remains there today.57 Culls periodically have come in to us in the last few days to the same food as – sheep. Not only do The language used by goats’ antagonists take place in Snowdonia, Devon and take the three remaining goats, we wish they graze the same land, but goats may to describe them is typically inflammatory. elsewhere. In May 2007, a cull of the billies at we had done more to try to find them a eat the crops that are being grown to feed Goats are said to be ‘marching down Lynton was undertaken despite advice to the home. It may also have been over- to livestock as well as the feed put out mountains’ and ‘marauding through contrary from the RSPCA. The RSPCA said it ambitious to undertake the grazing trial directly to feed sheep. There is evidence gardens’. In reality, goats – like all wild believed that as many as 20 billy goats had with these goats in the first place.’67 that goats ‘cause short-term localised loss animals – move to where food is most been culled and said that it was ‘not aware’ of Despite these contrite words, the National of forage to farmers’.59 Simply put, they freely available. This means that they will any research demonstrating a cull was Trust continues to support goat culling in ‘take advantage’.60 eat what they find – whether that is in a necessary. A spokesperson for the charity other areas. They are also charged with causing road wood, a park or a garden. Goats are said it had alerted the Lynton authorities to accidents. notoriously difficult to contain but it is long-term alternatives in April 2005 and said primarily for financial reasons that humane Killing Methods it was ‘disappointed’ to see its advice had not methods are not pursued. Rod Gritten, Shooting. been investigated further.58 22 23 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 26

‘...they cannot be blamed for adapting to a new habitat when their traditional one has been so drastically altered.’

Targeted has meant that birds are breeding sooner in the year and are rearing two broods There are two main reasons why gulls some years, rather than one.71 In these are killed: they are said to be a nuisance, areas, simple measures like securing bins, There are many and they predate the eggs and chicks of not leaving rubbish bags on the street and other birds. species of gull – regular street cleaning can help deter birds In urban areas, gulls can be loud. They from nesting. Without these steps, culling some can live can make a mess by ripping open bin bags can’t work, as the niche created will and by defecating and, during the breeding both in coastal simply be refilled.72 season, they can become very protective Irrespective of efficacy, culling wild birds regions and of their chicks, even to the point of PEST simply because we regard their behaviour launching attacks on people who get inland, while as ‘criminal’ is just as illogical as the too close. Medieval practice of charging animals with others are Labeled as ‘flying rats’, they are charged nefarious crimes and then hanging them with spreading disease and even strictly marine. when found guilty. If gulls really are a stealing shopping.70 nuisance, it is time for people to clean Conservation groups approve of the culling up their act. of coastal-dwelling gulls because their diet Contrary to common belief, gulls do not includes the eggs and chicks of species attack without warning but people often do that such groups want to protect, including not heed the warnings given to them. From the endearing puffin. Gulls mid-June until the end of July, when the chicks are growing, anyone wandering into a bird’s territory may be issued with a Traditionally, gulls were seaside dwellers, The decline in their numbers, it says, could In Defence warning call. A quick look at the bird can feeding from the oceans but by the have been caused by changes in their Most gulls still live on the coast or in determine who is causing this alarm – 1920s, seaside towns and their human- marine environment, overfishing, reductions coastal towns – their traditional habitats. the bird will be in an upright stance, with generated waste were booming. in discarded fish (by-catch) or pollution. The influx of people into these areas and feathers sleeked back and will be looking Gulls took to feeding from the streets and, Large gulls feed on almost anything of the resulting development has meant that at the person who is causing him concern. in time, took advantage of our increasingly suitable size and texture. They hunt fish and gulls have had to adapt. And they have. If this warning is ignored, the bird may ‘throwaway society’ and moved further other sea creatures, but also take carrion, Thankfully for them, people leave food, swoop and drop guano. Should these inland, adapting to nest on rooftops.68 rubbish, waste food, as well as eggs and scraps and waste all over the place and signs all be ignored, the bird may strike the Now, five different species are found in chicks of other seabirds. They obtain a so gulls are well fed. They cannot be person from behind at high speed.73 Gulls, towns – herring, black-headed, common, substantial amount by scavenging, and so blamed for adapting to a new habitat like all good parents, take their job of lesser black-backed and great black- are well-placed to take advantage of waste when their traditional one has been so protecting their young very seriously. backed – and it is these urban dwellers food in gardens, in streets and at rubbish drastically altered. who are most routinely targeted. The RSPB tips. Black-headed and common gulls will Gull populations are generally in decline, has stated that, while not endangered, all scavenge, but also feed on insects in although in some localised areas, this Killing Methods five are a ‘conservation concern’. pasture or ploughed arable fields.69 might not be the case. Climate change Shooting. 24 25 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 28

ground-nesting birds on the islands The animals of the

diminished. These groups united and announced that they would kill all 5,000 world exist for their

hedgehogs in an effort to protect the own reasons. They Hedgehogs – the eggs of the islands’ ground-nesting birds. were not made for gardeners’ friends – The cull began in 2003. “ Fieldworkers gathered them – either by humans any more“ live in varied habitats live trapping or by simply picking them up as they foraged – and took them away to than black people right across the UK, 77 be euthanased by injection. were made for white, from wild woods to Announcements were made that, in future, dogs would be used to track the last or women created city-centre railway 78 hedgehogs, who would then be shot. for men. embankments. Strangely, killing was suspended during the month of May to avoid the deaths of any Alice Walker 79 orphaned young. It was claimed that trapping and moving the hedgehogs to the mainland would 80 cause ‘suffering and slow death’ and Hedgehogs were deliberately introduced that culling was the most humane way to the Scottish islands of Uist in the 1970s Hedgehogs 81 to deal with the problem of hedgehogs to keep down garden ‘pests’. Should they They eat beetles, caterpillars, In December 2005, Shooting Times – the on the islands. pay with their lives because of man’s earthworms, slugs, snails and insects. weekly bible for bloodsports enthusiasts – short-sightedness? Their greatest threats are man-made: road published a list of what it considered to be The Scottish hedgehog cull was launched traffic, agricultural intensification, pesticide Britain’s 30 ‘most wanted’ pests because In Defence without a humane relocation trial being use (including slug pellets), loss of of the threat they were said to pose to The sport shooting industry has no undertaken. The reason given was that hedgerows, open swimming pools and ‘sporting’ shooters and anglers. Alongside tolerance for any animal that threatens the relocation was cruel (whereas killing garden ponds, cattle grids and litter. These the usual suspects – rats, magpies and industrial production of factory-farmed hundreds of animals was deemed to be dangers have led to a dramatic drop in rabbits – the hedgehog was included. birds. The huge numbers of eggs or chicks, less cruel). Such outlandish statements hedgehog numbers but it is rare for them Accused of being a ‘voracious predator’, and the vast quantities of grain scattered were finally rebuffed when, in 2007, a to be deliberately and systematically killed. the hedgehog’s penchant for eggs has liberally about to ensure that the target Bristol University report proved that the In Tudor times, however, hedgehogs were made him some powerful enemies. birds do not wander off before a paying relocation of the hedgehogs could be routinely persecuted, accused of sucking Although hedgehogs cannot be trapped customer has had the chance to shoot at successful. With this evidence, the Scottish 75 the milk from recumbent cows and stealing or killed without a licence, it is clear that them, are attractive to many wild birds and Society for the Protection of Animals had a 76 eggs from henhouses.74 While the former gamekeepers do not tolerate them. animals, including hedgehogs. By providing change of heart and backed relocation. In accusation is clearly ridiculous, the latter Conservationists have also instigated a so much food, the population of predator February 2007, the Scottish hedgehog cull 82 has brought this gentle creature a great cull of hedgehogs. In the 1970s, 30 animals actually increases. was officially scrapped. deal of trouble, and that has continued into hedgehogs were taken from their natural Conservationists adopt flavour-of-the- the 21st century. habitat and transported to the Scottish month species and have often introduced Killing Methods islands of Uist and Benbecula. Before long, ‘alien’ species to areas for ‘ornamental’ Lethal injection. their need to eat brought them into conflict reasons or to prey upon an unwanted Targeted with the RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural ‘pest’. But when the new species grows Hedgehogs are persecuted by two groups: the Heritage and the Scottish Executive. As too numerous or inconvenient they, in turn, game shooting industry and conservationists. hedgehog numbers grew, the number of are persecuted. 26 27 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 30

PEST Conservationists also target them, citing ‘Mink live a solitary life displacement of otters, and the decline in both water vole and ground nesting in the British bird populations. countryside, marking out Blood sports enthusiasts cite all of the above and welcome the opportunity to territory a mile apart hunt mink now that otters – having been from each other. It is hunted to the brink of extinction – are legally protected. now accepted that they do not out-compete In Defence otters. In fact, it is the Mink have suffered enormous cruelties at other way round.’ the hands of fur farmers. The caging of wild animals and killing them by anal electrocution – to avoid spoiling the fur – suffered from the removal, damaging and has made mink one of this country’s most pollution of riverside habitats through persecuted wild species, even before we building, flood control measures, bank consider how they have fared in the wild. mowing, dredging, angling and the Predators eat other animals. We accept this reinforcement of riverbanks with iron and of both wild and of our own domesticated concrete. In short, human activity has led Rarely has a wild animal been so demonised as the cats, and yet have a hard time accepting it to the demise of the water vole. North American mink – or served as such a convenient of other species. If rivers and lakes are well Mink may take eggs from some ground- stocked with fish and shooting estates with nesting birds and consequently are scapegoat for the environmental vices of our species. poults, then there is a good chance that targeted by groups like the RSPB – a they will be predated. And the vast powerful organisation, whose aims majority of chickens and other poultry are inevitably trump those of the mammal incarcerated inside huge factory farm protection societies. To protect popular sheds, where no mink could reach them. bird species, the society has rounded up Mink live a solitary life in the British and killed rats, hedgehogs, foxes and even Mink countryside, marking out territory a mile other birds as well as mink. apart from each other. It is now accepted Tour operators in Mull called for a cull of mink in order to protect ground-nesting Introduced to the UK in 1929 for fur Targeted that they do not out-compete otters. In trade exploitation, the mink has fact, it is the other way round. birds, on which, they said, their livelihoods suffered shocking cruelties at the hands Farmers, anglers, fish farmers, shooters The number of otters had previously depended. And mink hunters opportunistically of farmers. Inside those farms, wild and conservationists all decry mink. Their slumped due to hunting, persecution by utilise any argument – as they previously animals lived a desperate existence. alien status is a problem for some while anglers who blamed them for eating fish did against otters – in order to continue Psychologically damaged by their the fact that they eat native species is and the use of DDT-type chemicals by their sport. imprisonment, they paced, spun and self- unforgivable for others – especially when farmers. As otter numbers have risen, so mutilated. In the 1950s, as big operators the loss of prey animals means loss of profit. the population of mink has declined to less 83 Killing Methods moved in and smaller businesses went Mink are blamed by farmers for taking than half that of the 1980s. Trapping, shooting, hunting with dogs bust, thousands of mink were released by poultry; by fish farmers and anglers for Water vole numbers were in decline 40 (until 2005). farmers into the countryside. Decades later, taking fish; and by shooters for taking years before mink were released into the more were released by animal activists. pheasants. British countryside. Their populations 28 29 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 32

PEST Targeted ‘If we forget that Moles live underground and are active humans and other Moles are diggers, creating twenty metres of tunnel a day.85 animals are all part essentially They are part of the rich diversity of British of the same world, wildlife but their molehills bring them into “ woodland conflict with farmers, gardeners and those and if we forget that animals, and enjoying recreational sports. humans and animals the forest Molehills are irregular and are not welcomed by those wanting a picture-perfect garden, are deeply connected floor, rich in where nature is kept in her place. at many levels of earthworms Farmers also consider moles to be a pest. Problems cited include exposing stones interaction, when and other and thereby damaging farm machinery, things go amiss in invertebrates, covering the field with fresh soil, thereby reducing its size and yield, damaging our interactions with forms their young plants through disturbing their animals, as they

primary habitat. roots, and contaminating silage with earth particles. surely will, and Golfers, like gardeners, cannot abide the animals are set apart

unsightly hills, and other sports people – including footballers and horse riders from and inevitably – state that the hills can cause accidents. below humans, I feel “ Moles In Defence certain that we will As forests have been cleared for some quarters and lead to calls for the In some European countries, moles are miss the animals more agriculture and development, moles death of the perpetrator. a protected species,86 with farmers, than the animal have had to adapt to a new environment84 Records of mole-catching go back centuries gardeners and sports-players simply – one of manicured lawns and golf with parishes offering a bounty on their living with them. survivors will miss us. courses, and profit-driven farmland. heads or employing a full-time catcher. Moles can, in fact, be beneficial to the ‘Deep Ethology’ Kinship with Moles are rarely seen but their molehills Things haven’t changed so much. Pest gardener. The damage they cause is Animals – Marc Bekoff give them away. These earth mounds – control companies are still employed to kill almost entirely cosmetic – certainly not formed as the mole digs his way through this native species, and the Queen employs worth killing a living being for – and they underground tunnels – cause outrage in a mole catcher to keep her lawns pristine. eat slugs and many unwanted insect larvae such as cockchafers and carrotfly. Their pitches, a shovel will quickly remove the tunnels actually help to drain and aerate offending hill and the game can commence. ‘Moles can, in fact, be beneficial to the gardener. heavy soils and the fine soil of molehills makes terrific potting compost.87 Killing Methods The damage they cause is almost entirely cosmetic Horse riders churn up bridleways until the Poison, lethal trap, gassing. – certainly not worth killing a living being for – ground is virtually impassable for those on foot. If horses can navigate this uneven and they eat slugs and many unwanted insect terrain, a few molehills should pose no larvae such as cockchafers and carrotfly.’ problem. As for football and other sports 30 31 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 34

Parakeets are not native to Britain but have been recorded here since 1850.88

Parakeets Originally from India and sub-Saharan In Defence Africa, it is likely that captive birds – brought to Britain and sold for the pet Parakeets are not native to Britain but, trade – escaped or were deliberately having been taken from the wild, shipped released and have since made their around the world and stuffed into home in and around London. In 2007, ornamental cages in urban and suburban the Department for Environment, Food residences, it is a something of a joy that and Rural Affairs announced – after being some have escaped such a dreadful fate. approached by the RSPB – that it would be Parakeets have become part of the fabric investigating their impact on native species.89 of London life. Despite their native tropical climes, the parrots have coped with British winters and feed on fruit, berries, nuts, Targeted seeds, grain and household scraps. As Some ornithologists believe that the climate change continues to alter our parakeets are competing with native birds seasons, parakeets may feel more at home for nesting sites and food. Parakeets nest than some native British birds. Dictating in holes and crevices in trees and as such which birds can and cannot it is hypothesised that they may be live within our national boundaries is displacing woodpeckers, nuthatches and ridiculous given the rapidly changing starlings. As yet, this is not proven but talk natural environment. of a mass cull of the 30,000 birds persists The charge that they may be competing and may be carried out if the population with native birds is not made against the grows or extends its territory. shooting industry which releases 40 million factory-farmed birds into the countryside each year, and which deliberately kills any ‘As climate change species who competes with them. Bird continues to alter our groups certainly pick and choose their campaigns carefully. seasons, parakeets That parakeets are attractive should may feel more at home certainly help their case. than some native Killing Methods British birds.’ Expected to be shooting.

32 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 36

PEST There is a lack of evidence that pigeons They were shooting spread diseases to people, and yet the myth – largely perpetuated by pest control pigeons... how companies – persists. They say that hardening to the pigeons carry histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, psittacosis, cryptococcosis, “heart it must be to do salmonellosis, meningitis, tuberculosis and this thing: to change encephalitis, which certainly sounds Descendants terrifying. But the multi-billion pound pest an innocent soaring control industry relies on the public being being into a bundle of the wild so scared of animals that it will pay for

rock dove, them to be killed. of rags and pain. In reality, birds such as chickens, who are At one moment –

pigeons are raised in crowded factory-farmed the tamest of conditions, are more likely to infect people graceful, mysterious, with both salmonellosis and toxoplasmosis desirable and free – “ all wild birds. when they are eaten, than are live pigeons, wandering around a town.93 Equally, all and the next moment animals, and humans too, are carriers of a there is nothing but host of disease organisms. That doesn’t automatically make them dangerous or struggling and lead to calls for their mass slaughter. blood and confusion. Pigeons In the countryside, farmers are at least partly responsible for the increase in Iris Murdoch pigeon numbers. Encouraged by financial Traditionally, they inhabited coastal cliffs natural world, others say that pigeons incentives, farmers now grow 400,000 but have learned to survive in towns and are messy and spread disease. Defecating hectares of oilseed rape in the UK.94 cities, roosting on buildings instead. on cars, buildings and pavements has Before the subsidies, oilseed rape was Killing pigeons, either by poisoning or by Wild rock doves – who still live on the brought about an intolerance of these virtually unknown. But it is a favourite food shooting, is not a humane way to reduce west coasts of Scotland and Ireland – eat amiable birds. of pigeons and their numbers have numbers, nor is it effective. Killing adult seeds, but the diet of pigeons is wide and Others – primarily pest control agencies – increased correspondingly.95 pigeons gives the younger birds a better varied. City centre inhabitants survive on are especially keen to argue that pigeons chance of survival and allows breeding to scraps dropped by people. pose a health risk as they carry disease. continue. In a matter of weeks, numbers Their cousins, wood pigeons, are equally In the countryside, wood pigeons are ‘There is a lack of can quickly return to pre-cull figures. adaptable. With the loss of much of blamed for eating crops, particularly peas Where pigeons are not tolerated, there are Britain’s woodland, wood pigeons have and standing corn,92 and this has made evidence that pigeons humane ways to control their numbers. become common garden and farm birds.90 them a target for farmers. spread diseases to Clearing away food and encouraging the In 1917, a whole-county shoot in Devon birds to roost in more convenient locations 91 people, and yet the killed more than 25,000 wood pigeons. In Defence can help, as can installing anti-perching myth – largely devices. In the countryside, bird scarers Pigeons have adapted to city life very well, and netting are useful options. Targeted largely due to the huge amounts of food perpetuated by pest While many urban dwellers accept that that people leave lying around for them. It control companies they share their city with pigeons, and could be argued that they do a fine job of Killing Methods welcome this small contact with the cleaning up this mess. – persists.’ Shooting, poisoning, hawking, gassing. 34 35 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 38

Rabbits

Warrens were established on islands all had an impact on their numbers. around the coast to prevent them from Rabbits can be kept in or out of a designated colonising the country. But over the next area by erecting fencing, and trees can be century, warrens were established on the protected by the use of tree guards. mainland, with many being constructed at Making an effort to protect valuable woodland monastic houses. Since then, rabbits have means that rabbits need not pay with their spread right across the country and have lives. With less to eat, numbers naturally made their homes in a variety of habitats, drop. And while rabbits inevitably will eat from open meadows and grassland, to some crops, surely farming in the 21st woodlands and even sand dunes. century can make allowances for wild animals In the 1950s, myxomatosis, which was and their need to feed themselves, too? deliberately spread around the country In many areas, however, grazing by rabbits as a control measure, wiped out 90 per can actually help conserve valuable chalk cent of rabbits in the UK and Europe. downlands and other habitats by keeping The disease continues to ravage wild grass short and preventing scrub taking populations to this day.96 over the habitat.99 In fact, in many areas – But that isn’t their only threat. An Order including at Breckland in Norfolk – their was made in the Pests Act 1954 by which grazing is said to be crucial to the every landowner in England and Wales ‘is habitat.100 And grazing by rabbits allows responsible for destroying wild rabbits on the rare Large Blue butterfly to thrive in his/her land or for taking steps to prevent small pockets of the country.101 them causing damage. This is a continuing 97 obligation.’ Killing Methods Shooting, ferreting, killing with dogs, Targeted trapping, gassing, hawking. Enemies of rabbits include farmers, gardeners

and forestry groups – all of whom blame them for doing what they have to do to

survive: that is, eating. Rabbits eat crops, He who is cruel to grass and saplings and will strip tree bark. animals becomes hard But shooting rabbits is also considered fun. ‘What better sport,’ asks James McKay in also in his dealings“ PEST Shooting Times, ‘than shooting at bolting with men. We can rabbits?’98 “ judge the heart of a In Defence man by his treatment Rabbits were introduced to the UK in the twelfth Rabbits have lived in the UK for 900 years. of animals. In recent history, habitat destruction, century by the Normans to be bred for their meat. urbanisation, disease and cultivation have Immanuel Kant 37 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 40

Raptors are birds of prey and, in the UK, include eagles, hawks, buzzards, falcons and owls.

Raptors Sea eagles were hunted to extinction ‘Persecuting a bird or in 1916 but the golden eagle – who continues to be persecuted – clings on. animal for feeding The osprey was also driven to extinction. himself is inhumane, In the 15th century, red kites were given special protection because they were intolerant and responsible, along with ravens, for keeping ridiculous.’ the streets clean and preventing outbreaks of disease. But centuries of persecution Egg collectors persecute the birds indirectly. took their toll and, by 1930, just ten They take eggs from rare species for their breeding pairs could be found – all of personal collections or to sell. The more them in Wales.102 rare a bird becomes, the more prized their eggs are for those who collect them. Thus, Targeted the decline is perpetuated. Birds of prey have two main enemies: the shooting industry and egg collectors. In Defence Although raptors have been protected for Birds of prey eat mammals, birds and fish, more than 50 years,103 persecution by and where better to find dense stocks of gamekeepers and those with sporting them than in areas where vast numbers of interests in grouse moors remains a major their prey are bred and reared? Shooting problem. In 2005, for example, RSPB estates and fish farms are attractive to Scotland received 22 confirmed reports of these birds – they simply take chicks, eggs poisoning and 20 confirmed reports of or fish from the buffet laid out before them. persecution of birds of prey by shooting Persecuting a bird or animal for feeding and trapping. himself is inhumane, intolerant and ridiculous. Both the Scottish Gamekeepers Association Is it better that we live in a world where and the Game Conservancy Trust – a the only animals who survive are the ones registered British charity – are lobbying to purpose-bred by people for the purpose of end their legal protection and to be able to their exploitation? ‘control’ them.104 105 In 2006, Shooting Times magazine listed ’30 pricey pests’ and on it were ospreys, red kites, peregrine Killing Methods falcons, buzzards and golden eagles.106 107 Trapping, poisoning, shooting. 38 Peregrine Falcon With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 42

PEST In Defence of one animal to live, and another to die? Species fall in and out of fashion all the Rats are shy creatures, preferring to steer time. Some are protected, while others are clear of people for good reasons. Their killed to preserve people’s appetites for domesticated cousins are known to be ‘loveable’ species. As yet, however, rats extraordinarily bright, clean and sociable, have never been in vogue. which makes the hysteria surrounding wild Black rats lived on the island of Lundy for rats unfathomable. The water vole – one of 400 years, but only recently were blamed Britain’s most popular species – resembles for the declining populations of puffin and rats and the two are often confused, so Manx shearwater. However, scientific why are rats feared and persecuted, while studies suggested that their decline was water voles are revered and protected? likely to be due to over-fishing of sand eels It is commonly presumed that rats spread (the birds’ staple diet) or inaccessibility of disease wherever they go – a belief that breeding sites.112 Although rats had lived stems from the spread of the Black Death on the island for four centuries, seabirds 700 years ago. In fact, researchers have had only begun to decline in the last 60 recently found that the Black Death was years. There was no significant increase in not spread by rats at all but by human-to- rats during this time. Despite this, the RSPB human contact.11 0 Originally native to Asia, both brown and black rats and Scottish Natural Heritage called for It is true that rats – along with all animals, another cull of rats on the isle of Rum in can now be found all across the globe. humans included – carry and may spread order to ‘protect’ Manx shearwaters in disease. Much of this threat can be 2005.113 A local couple who ran a ship rat eradicated with good personal hygiene and domestication programme reported that by keeping neighbourhoods clear of food. these primarily vegetarian rats had no The fear of rats is hyped up by pest control interest in meat and were unable to companies and the media, both of which recognise birds’ eggs as food.114 Rats typically characterise the animals as The inflammatory language used to savage, bloodthirsty beasts. The common describe rats (‘menace’, ‘maraud’, ‘infest’, They are highly intelligent and have carried the fleas that spread the deadly perception is that we are only ever a few ‘sewer rat’) means that, unless the lies are adapted to survive in many different disease. Since then, they have been feet away from a rat and that we could die countered, these animals are likely to be habitats. Typically nocturnal, they live in charged with carrying and spreading a at any time from the cocktail of diseases persecuted for a lot longer.

loose colonies, usually near to human host of killer diseases. that they carry. In fact, rats generally habitation because of the ease of finding Gamekeepers target rats to stop them appear in gardens only where people put food. Black rats are one of the rarest from eating grain meant for factory-farmed food out for birds. In public areas, it is, Killing Methods

mammals in the UK, but both they and the pheasants, or eggs. once again, food that attracts them. If Poisoning, trapping, killing with dogs. 108 brown rat are routinely persecuted. Conservationists also cull rats. Lundy is a people cleared up after themselves, rats small island just off the coast of Devon and would rarely be seen, let alone be seen as “ was home to one of the few remaining a pest. Targeted colonies of black rats. Part of their diet was The prejudice of some conservationists is The love for all There never was a species more universally made up of eggs from ground nesting birds. extraordinary. In 2005, a colony of living creatures is persecuted than the rat. They are the bread- In 2003, a cull was launched by conservation woodmice was evacuated from the Scottish and-butter for pest control companies, whose groups, English Nature, the National Trust, island of Canna, the rats on the island were the noblest attribute profits rely on people being frightened of the RSPB and the Landmark Trust. The cull killed and the mice returned.111 A case of: of man. them. Much of the fear stems from the lasted for two years and saw the deaths of woodmice – good; rats – bad. But who are “ 109 Black Death when rats (among other animals) 40,000 rats, mostly by poisoning. we to pronounce on the moral worthiness Immanuel Kant 40 41 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 44

Ruddy ducks were brought to the UK from North ‘It is true that the white-headed duck is a rare bird, America in the 1940s by the ornithologist Peter Scott but it is rare because it has been hunted extensively of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. and has lost its natural habitat to human destruction. Rather than focusing on remedying the problems suffered by the white-headed duck, the ruddy has

© SCOTT STREIT been made the fall guy.’

the Spanish steppes from the ravages of or animal – is dangerously retrograde. intensive agriculture – the steppes being It does not matter to the white-headed important for the survival of species such duck that she has produced ‘impure’ as the black vultures. Spain retaliated to offspring. It matters only to the more the chiding by demanding action on extreme bird listers and tickers. The the ruddy duck, which it claimed was mixing of genes is a Darwinian adaptation threatening the survival of the now cherished – a survival mechanism for coping in a white-headed. British conservationists took changing world. Far from leading the up the challenge, and the rest – including white-headed duck to extinction, leading PEST the £3.3 million of taxpayers’ money which British ornithologist Tom Gullick is 115 funded the killing – is history. convinced that competition from the ruddy male has prompted a robust In Defence response from the white-headed male and has caused white-headed numbers The argument for wanting to decimate to increase more than they otherwise an alien species is usually couched in would have done. conservation terms – the animal is a Gullick is the ornithologist who first marauding pest that is placing other native alerted authorities to the plight of the 11 6 species in mortal danger. It is true that white-headed ducks. He believes that the the white-headed duck is a rare bird, but it ruddy ducks who did reach Spain were Ruddy Ducks is rare because it has been hunted most likely coming from neighbouring extensively and has lost its natural habitat France and not from the UK at all. He Originally among Scott’s pastimes was duck reaching Spain and mating with the rare to human destruction. Rather than focusing calls the cull ‘a scandalous misuse of shooting but the ruddys were intended to white-headed duck caused outrage on remedying the problems suffered by rare conservation money’.11 8 be ‘ornamental exhibits’. After an accidental amongst leading figures with certain bird the white-headed duck, the ruddy has The government’s 1993-4 trial cull chose release of the ducks into the wild, the ruddys groups. Their offspring were ‘impure hybrids’ been made the fall guy. To quote British shooting as the best option on the grounds established themselves in Britain and and this meant that all ruddy ducks in the Birds, ‘…when faced with a long list of of cost rather than effectiveness. Dipping continued to thrive, that is, until 1993 UK became targets. A series of government- biodiversity actions, many of which are the eggs in paraffin was found to be when this ‘alien’ species was first culled. sponsored ‘trials’ ensued and now there is difficult, intangible, expensive and not 100% effective, unlike shooting them. a state commitment to eradication. necessarily in the short-term interests of But convenience won the day. Calls for a ruddy duck cull began in the the economy, politicians and environmental Targeted political arena. It is believed that Spain was agencies will always tend to jump on Ruddy ducks have just one enemy: feeling under pressure from other EU easy targets’.117 Killing Methods conservationists. Reports of the ruddy duck countries for its lack of action in protecting Killing in the name of blood purity – human Shooting. 42 43 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 46

can legally be killed. The northeast Atlantic subpopulation is considered to Animals give me be endangered by the 2000 IUCN more pleasure through 12 2 Red List. the viewfinder of a camera than they ever Targeted “ Fishermen are actively petitioning for a did in the crosshairs 12 3 cull because seals damage static nets of a gunsight. And (presumably by getting caught in them) and eat fish. It is claimed that predation by after I’ve finished seals is responsible for the decrease in the “shooting”, my amount of commercially landed fish. The fishing industry is in decline and is having unharmed victims to ‘scratch a living’. Allowing seals to eat are still around for any fish adds to the burden.

Grey seals can act as hosts to the codworm others to enjoy. I have parasite, and calls have also been made to developed a deep

cull grey seals by those who believe that such a cull would reduce the codworm respect for animals. infestation in cod and flatfish ‘stocks’. I consider them fellow living creatures with“ In Defence certain rights that Seals need to eat and, whereas people can Grey seals are among the rarest seals in the world and do live without eating fish, seals can’t. should not be violated The reason for declining fish ‘stocks’ in the any more than those and half of the world’s population can be found on oceans is overfishing, particularly during and around the British coastline.12 0 the last 50 years. At least 20 of the world’s of humans. most important fisheries have disappeared in the last 25 years, with many more Jimmy Stewart suffering so badly from overfishing that they are unlikely to recover.12 4 The fishing industry is massively destructive. oesophagus and stomach out through Bottom trawlers wreak havoc in the oceans, the mouth. Seals destroying entire ecosystems. The industry Killing seals who need to eat fish to survive catches and kills dolphins, porpoises, rays, compounds the cruelty of this trade and is Seals can live for 30 - 40 years and feed been offered in several countries, such as turtles and even diving sea birds, and hugely unpopular with the public. In the mostly on fish living on or close to the Canada, Iceland and Norway. The last throws the carcasses back. first eight months after the fishermen seabed, particularly sandeels, whitefish organised fisheries-related cull in the The suffering of the fish themselves remains launched their pro-cull petition, just 15 (cod, haddock, whiting, ling), and flatfish United Kingdom took place in 1983, but largely ignored. Fish are hauled up from people had signed it. (plaice, sole, flounder, dab). Their diets vary was terminated due to public opposition.12 1 the deep, and undergo excruciating seasonally and from region to region.12 0 Grey seals are currently protected by the decompression. Frequently, the intense In recent years, local culls have taken Conservation of Seals Act (1970), but internal pressure ruptures the swimbladder, Killing Methods place and bounties on grey seals have individuals ‘causing damage to fishing nets’ pops out the eyes, and pushes the Shooting. 44 45 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 48

PEST a bounty during the nineteenth century.12 7 No species can thrive under all Grey squirrels are hardier than their red circumstances. Native to North cousins, and they need to be in order to Killing grey squirrels to control their America, the grey survive in a changing world. It is true that numbers has not been successful. Bounty red squirrels are more susceptible to SQPV schemes have failed in the past12 9 and squirrel was but the red population was periodically modern-day culling may actually lead to introduced to badly hit by a range of diseases before the an increase in local density of squirrel greys arrived. populations, increased damage to Victorian Britain Most grey squirrel killing is conducted woodlands and increased spread of as an ornamental within the context of protecting disease.13 0 This is because recolonisation commercial woodland,12 8 yet while red occurs extremely rapidly, which can result species by the squirrels also damage trees, too, they in higher numbers than pre-cull. And culls aristocracy and remain protected. Reds thrive in conifers, disperse animals, who, if infected, can while greys don’t fare so well there. spread disease further afield. Research that released all over Unsurprisingly, the Forestry Commission followed five squirrel culls found that the country. and other timber groups campaign for red populations recovered in just three to ten squirrels and suggest that planting more weeks. Quite simply, culls don’t work.13 1 conifers is the answer. A sceptic might There are ways to help protect red wonder whether additional conifer planting squirrels. Establishing them on islands, is intended to boost red populations or changing forest planting and timber companies’ bank balances. supplementing their feed could all help Grey squirrels may eat some of the same the much-loved animal, without harming Grey Squirrels foods as dormice but claims that this the greys. ‘competition’ has adversely affected the The sentimental attachment to reds is, By 1945, squirrels had expanded their nutritious sapwood below, and are said to dormouse population are largely made by in part, based on a fondness for a range to include much of southern and destroy young saplings. the Game Conservancy Trust – a charity romanticised childhood character – central England. Today, these highly Gamekeepers kill squirrels to stop them whose reports always find in favour of the Squirrel Nutkin. But not long before this intelligent and adaptable animals can be taking bird feed and pheasant eggs, gameshooting industry, and often at the upsurge in warmth, red squirrels were seen in woodlands, parks and gardens although they more often cite the decline cost of wild animals. It is not hard to persecuted in much the same way that across the country. of woodland birds for wanting grey imagine why those involved with game grey squirrels are today. In the 1800s red 12 5 squirrels killed. rearing should favour dormice over squirrel clubs ‘accounted for’ thousands of Targeted squirrels. And if it were true that the squirrels every year.13 2 As times change, presence of grey squirrels causes a perhaps the grey will come back into Grey squirrels are blamed for aggressively In Defence decline in dormice, that is nature’s way. fashion but, in the meantime, doesn’t ousting red squirrels from their territory. Grey squirrels are scapegoated for the discriminating against an animal on the And they are said to carry a myxomatosis- mistakes of people and there is no grounds of his colour leave a bad taste in like virus (SQPV), which is fatal to red evidence to suggest that they drive reds ‘Grey squirrels are the mouth? squirrels. They are also blamed for having from their homes. Red squirrels suffered an impact on woodland birds by eating badly from deforestation, severe winter scapegoated for the eggs from the nests. For these reasons, weather and epidemic diseases even mistakes of people and Killing Methods conservation groups support and initiate culls. before the greys arrived.12 6 They declined Poisoning, live trapping and/or shooting, Squirrels’ eating habits also bring them into to near extinction in the eighteenth there is no evidence to spring trapping, smashing dreys and conflict with forestry companies, as they century, which led to the introduction of suggest that they drive stamping on the young.13 3 gnaw the bark of hardwood trees, such as more reds from Europe. Despite this, red beech and sycamore, to get at the squirrels continued to be killed by clubs for reds from their homes.’ 46 47 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 50

Stoats and weasels are native to Britain and are found throughout the country in a variety of habitats. Stoats & Weasels

Stoats are the larger species and encouraged by them are not safe. historically have been killed and skinned Stoats and weasels may well take songbird PEST for their fur. Both species are agile, and eggs, but are we to kill every species that strong climbers and swimmers. eats another one? Killing stoats and Stoats and weasels are carnivorous. Stoats weasels is not undertaken to ensure predate mainly on rabbits, while weasels biodiversity; it is all about maximising prefer smaller prey, including voles and profits for shooting estates. chicks.13 4 Although one would think that they would be welcomed for their control of 13 5 Killing Methods rabbit, rat and vole populations, they 13 9 continue to be demonised by some as Trapping, killing with dogs. ‘troublesome vermin’.13 6

Targeted The main enemy of stoats and weasels is the gamekeeper, who ruthlessly targets them because the animals ‘relish the odd 13 7 ...if one person is chick or egg’. Even such a small loss has led one Northants gamekeeper to kill unkind to an animal, 13 8 50-70 stoats and weasels every year. it is considered to be Stoats are targeted on grouse moors, where cruelty, but where a their presence is a problem for those “ managing grouse shoots. lot of people are And both species are said to have a negative

impact on songbirds, especially skylark and unkind to animals, meadow pipit. especially in the name

of commerce, the In Defence Blaming wild animals for feeding cruelty is condoned themselves – particularly when large and, once sums of “ numbers of factory-farmed gamebirds are put in their way – is intolerant and money are at stake, obscene. Gamekeepers actually encourage will be defended to the breeding of stoats and weasels by supplying them with an abundant food the last by otherwise source. But since they make a living from intelligent people. killing any and all animals who threaten profits, even minutely, even animals Ruth Harrison 49 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 52

Drey Poking ‘Apart from causing the Killing Methods This is a method used to kill squirrels deaths of the ‘target’ and is traditionally conducted in pairs. When faced with a ban on their country pursuit, hunters claimed that One person stands with long poles in his species – often in a shooting, gassing, snaring and poisoning are all crueller than hunting. hand, and knocks and bangs on the protracted and terrible Yet such methods are the backbone of ‘pest’ control activities.14 0 squirrels’ home, while the shotgunner stands ready to take a quick-fire shot at any way – [poisons] can also safe and competent shots who have already squirrel leaving the nest. Dogs who are harm people, domestic ‘capable of taking any squirrels that come had experience of shooting geese. (Of course, animals, wildlife and the people only become experienced after to ground’ are used and the nest is 14 6 shooting a lot of a particular species and completely destroyed. environment.’ along the route to competency, a much higher percentage of targeted animals or gut and death usually occurs through gastric birds will be maimed.) With all advice haemorrhage within 4-5 days. followed, the government still accepts that Other types of poison are metal phosphides, some birds will not be killed outright. It which react with the acid in the stomachs of suggests the marksmen ‘make all efforts to the animals creating a toxic gas, and calciferols, recover and humanely despatch wounded which cause internal organs to fail.14 9 birds.’14 1 But the pro-shooting organisation, Strychnine was the poison of choice for BASC, admits that ‘Traditional driven game killing moles until 2006 when it was banned. and flight pond shooting practised in the According to DEFRA, the fact that it was company of others may make immediate so cheap ‘probably led to more control of retrieval and despatch difficult.’14 2 moles than was really necessary’.15 0 Now, Shooting inevitably leads to animals being government and industry have been looking wounded and left to suffer for hours, days, Poisoning for new ways to poison moles. A new weeks or months. An unpublished study by Poisons may be used by industries or by substance – bromoform – has been tested the BASC found that up to 40 per cent of individuals in their gardens. Apart from experimentally against captive moles in all birds shot at for sport are wounded causing the deaths of the ‘target’ species – studies funded by DEFRA.15 1 rather than killed outright, and are never often in a protracted and terrible way – Raptors continue to be poisoned both Shooting recovered.14 3 they can also harm people, domestic directly and through secondary routes. The likelihood of achieving a clean kill The very best that can be hoped for is that animals, wildlife and the environment. depends on a number of criteria, including ‘wounding and wastage are kept to an Warfarin and other anticoagulants, used to the bore of the gun, proximity, size of the absolute minimum’.14 4 When the sheer kill squirrels, rats and mice, are described animal, speed at which he or she is moving number of animals and birds shot at are as ‘markedly inhumane’ by the Pesticides and the competence of the marksman. taken into account, even this best-case and Safety Directorate.14 7 These As not all criteria can be controlled, there scenario equates to suffering on an substances cause internal haemorrhaging is always a high risk of leaving an animal or immense scale. and death rarely occurs quickly, with bird wounded but alive. The government In Denmark, research showed that almost animals taking 1-2 weeks to die.14 8 issues guidelines on how to shoot certain as many geese were wounded as killed. Newer anticoagulant chemicals – species. In their Codes of Practice on the Until 1997, 25% of the first-year and 36% sometimes referred to as superwarfarins – Licensed Shooting of Brent Geese, it suggests of the older geese carried embedded shot, are lethal after a single ingestion of the bore size, load and shot size, a range of corresponding to at least 0·7 wounded bait. These include chemicals such as 30-40 yards, and restricting shooting to geese per bagged one.14 5 brodifacoum, which is absorbed though the 50 51 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 54

When faced with a peregrine falcon who ‘Snared animals can vary with the porosity, temperature and had digested the banned chemical dampness of the soil and getting this right Carbofuran, the RSPCA described the legally remain to achieve a rapid death is not simple. In death as ‘excruciating’. unchecked for up to government-funded tests, moles exposed The effect on cats, dogs and other animals continuously to a phosphine concentration – ‘non-target’ species who are accidentally 48 hours and, in chamber died within 30 minutes but poisoned – is similarly painful, and pesticides practice, this may be exposure to sub-optimal concentration-time continue to pollute the environment. Many doses resulted in prolonged symptoms of are toxic to aquatic life and can devastate very much longer.’ poisoning before recovery or death. rivers, lakes and groundwater. Scientists Symptoms reported included uncoordinated have linked declining numbers of farmland dehydration, starvation, exposure, horrific movements, rapid respiration and mild birds to the use of pesticides in intensive injuries and death. Legal ‘free-running’ convulsions. One animal displayed these farming over the last 50 years.15 2 snares should slacken if the animal stops symptoms for 3-4 days before dying.164 Pesticides can contaminate drinking water struggling but this may only happen when DEFRA is currently trialling the use of carbon supplies. Once groundwater is polluted it neck broken. It is currently illegal to release the animal is strangled to monoxide from exhaust fumes. But it seems 15 8 remains contaminated for many decades any non-native animal back into the wild.15 6 unconsciousness. Illegal snares – where that a quick death is not guaranteed using and is costly or impossible to clean up.15 3 This includes grey squirrels.15 7 the garrotte continues to tighten and this method either.165 eventually may decapitate the animal over Gamekeepers commonly use Larsen traps According to the Independent Scientific Group a long period of time – are still found to be to catch corvids. They are made from wire on Cattle TB (ISG), ‘The NFU have suggested Trapping and Snaring in use. The dividing line between legal and and wood and have a compartment where that gassing badgers is a very efficient means illegal snares is not always clear. There are two types of trap commonly a live decoy bird is kept. On seeing a bird of despatch. The ISG is not aware of 166 used to ‘control’ mammals. Spring traps on the ground, other birds come down and scientific data to support this view’. generally consist of a plate and a trigger fall through a false floor and into another Gassing and are lethal. Cage traps capture the compartment. When the gamekeeper 15 4 Traditionally, sodium cyanide was used to Lethal Injection animal alive. returns, the caught birds are ‘dispatched’. kill rabbits, moles and rats. Government Hedgehogs are the only wild species to Spring traps are used predominantly by Decoy birds are often found dead through trials at the highly secretive Ministry of be euthanased in the same way as gamekeepers to kill stoats, mink, rats, neglect, or can only watch on as other Defence laboratories in Wiltshire in the domestic animals – by lethal injection. squirrels15 5 and other animals. There are trapped birds are killed. 1980s used the same gas on badgers. It However, unlike a cat or a dog, hedgehogs many types and not all are legal. Spring Larsen traps were designed by a Danish was found that pumping cyanide into setts ball up when frightened, and must first be traps known as ‘break back traps’ are gamekeeper in the 1950s but are now did not achieve rapid death15 9 but animals commonly used to kill small ground-

banned in Denmark because of their continued to die from its effects until the dwelling animals. They are intended to kill cruelty. They were introduced to the UK by use of sodium cyanide was banned in quickly but this is not always the case.

the Game Conservancy Trust and the use December 2004.160 Farmers and For as long as men Animals may be caught by a limb, or by of them remains legal. gamekeepers switched instead to their head, tail or body and suffer for Snares are crude wire garrottes that are aluminium phosphide. massacre animals, they hours or days until death or a visit from the designed to catch and hold rabbits and DEFRA admit that the humanity of using will kill each other.“ trap-setter means they are put out of their foxes around their necks. Used by aluminium phosphide to kill moles is misery by a blow to the head. 161 Indeed, he who sows gamekeepers, snares are indiscriminate ‘questionable’. Fumigation with aluminium “ Although cage traps capture animals alive, and capable of causing immense suffering. phosphide preparations (that give off the seeds of murder it does not follow that those animals Snared animals can legally remain phosphine gas on contact with soil moisture) survive. Cage traps keep an animal in one unchecked for up to 48 hours and, in can cause moles to ‘show prolonged and pain cannot reap place until the trap-setter returns. Then, the practice, this may be very much longer. symptoms of poisoning’162 and there is no joy and love. animal may be released elsewhere but is Animals caught in a snare suffer from the other chemical approved in the UK.163 more likely to be clubbed, shot or have his stress of restraint, fear of predation, Recommended concentrations of the gas Pythagoras 52 53 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 56

prised open. This is not an easy or gentle procedure and yet hedgehogs were killed Changing Fashions on the Scottish islands of Uist and Benbecula by untrained staff, not veterinarians. Uist Hedgehog Rescue’s veterinary advisor, in Conservation Andrew Greenwood of the International Zoological Veterinary Group said: ‘I am Nature is not fixed and neither are human attitudes to it. very concerned to hear about SNH [Scottish Natural Heritage] training its temporary staff Species that once enjoyed great popularity to lethally inject hedgehogs. This is actually fall from grace, and those that were once very difficult to do humanely. This is the persecuted become revered and domain of the veterinary profession and protected. Today’s cherished animals Dogs are still used legally to kill other wild there is the potential for this killing to be cannot rely on being protected forever. 167 animals – most notably, rabbits, rats, stoats cruel and cause unacceptable suffering.’ Such changes are often whimsical, resting and weasels. on little more than children’s books. Lurchers may be used during the day or In 1903, the Highland Squirrel Club was Hawking at night to kill rabbits. At night, rabbits are established to kill, not grey, but red squirrels Hawks are used to scare pigeons away from caught in the beam of a powerful lamp and who were classed as vermin. Over 30 years, roosting sites but also to attack and kill them. the dog is sent after them. the club killed 82,000 squirrels and were In London’s Trafalgar Square, 121 pigeons Terriers are set onto rats and are also sent paid between 3d and 4d for each tail.17 4 were attacked and ripped apart when hawks down fox earths to ‘hold up’ foxes until Other squirrel clubs killed thousands every were deployed to scare the pigeons away.168 someone – often a gamekeeper – digs down, year.17 5 In the same year, Beatrix Potter Hawks are also set upon rabbits.169 retrieves the terrier and shoots the fox. In wrote The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, and the farmers and anglers are almost certainly reality, terriers may attack foxes underground, squirrels’ fortunes started slowly to change. just around corner. causing both animals to sustain life- Hares, who are now on the UK Red Data It is not just otters who are living on a Hunting with dogs threatening injuries.17 1 Dogs are still used list of endangered species, were hunted knife-edge. Vested interests continue to In 2005, hunting with dogs was banned. to drag badgers from their setts – even and persecuted as a ‘pest’ for centuries. drip-feed negative information about a Before that time, foxes, deer, hares and mink though this is illegal.17 2 were hunted with dogs. While the other Despite being endangered, hunts range of species and these slurs are likely species would be killed by the dogs continued to pursue and kill them until to be followed by demands for culls, many themselves, deer would be ‘held up’ and Ferreting the ban in 1997. Even today, they are still of which will come from ‘country sports’ 17 6 shot after the chase. Years of evidence A ferret is sent into a rabbit burrow to bolt not protected and continue to be shot enthusiasts. Already, the powerful country 17 7 showed the stress felt by animals being the animals out and into netting placed as pests. sports lobby has listed its 30 ‘pricey pests’ chased, and the claim that animals died over the other end. Once caught, the Otters were hunted for 6,000 years, from – animals who interfere with the production from ‘a quick nip to the back of the neck’ animals are ‘dispatched’ – often by having the Mesolithic era until they were finally of ‘gamebirds’ and fish for so-called sport 17 8 was discredited as films revealed animals their necks snapped. afforded legal protection in 1978. shooting and for angling. being disembowelled and postmortems Ferrets may also be used in conjunction with Throughout the seventeenth century, otters The golden eagle, red kite, osprey, heron, showed that others had died without being other animals. The ferrets bolt the animals had a price on their heads – paid for by peregrine falcon, buzzard or otter could be bitten behind the head. from below ground out into the open where churchwardens in parishes across England. next in the firing line. Because of the cruelty involved, a ban was lurchers, terriers or hawks may go after them Today, thanks to the 1927 novel, Tarka the And some anglers have already demanded 17 9 finally enacted but not before 40,000 hunt and kill them, or a shooter will be waiting.173 Otter and the 1969 film, Ring of Bright a cull of swans. Swans don’t eat fish but members signed a Declaration, stating that The fear felt as a predator is introduced to Water, these animals are – for now – they do pull up water weed, where fish they would disobey the ban.17 0 Convictions their burrow will be increased by the presence cherished. Fish farmers continue to rail breed. Angry at the thought that there may for those taking part in these illegal of dogs or a hawk, and a clean kill is not against the animals for feeding from be fewer fish to catch, anglers demand the killings continue. guaranteed with either hawks or guns. intensive fisheries and calls for a cull from death of these ‘pests’. 54 55 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 58

Unintended Consequences Conclusion

Meddling with ecosystems leads to unexpected consequences. Labelling animals as aliens, pests or predators is a tactic designed to ignite fear, intolerance and even hatred. Zoologist Laura Bonesi conducted on shooting estates, in homes, gardens and research with Oxford University’s Wildlife city centres all across the country. One Conservation Research Unit. She said “We unintended consequence of this is that so introduced pollutants which made the otter many have been killed in the countryside population go down, and then introduced that their numbers have plummeted, and mink because we wanted fur. When we do so have the numbers of kestrels who these things, we don’t realise how far- depend on rats for food.182 reaching the effects are. There is a chain There are regular calls by conservationists, reaction.”180 often passionate about a single species, for Aside from the immense suffering, culls their favourite animals to be reintroduced cause ecological imbalance. In 2000, the to Britain. In 2001, beavers were captured last of the feral cats living on a remote and brought from Norway and released island off Australia were killed. The theory into the Kent countryside.183 Many died was that, by killing the non-native cats, and others failed to breed.184 Undeterred seabird populations would rise but, in fact, by this failure, a millionaire with a passion it led to ‘an alarming ecological domino for beavers took six more from the wild in The use of inflammatory vocabulary imbalances?187 Certainly, modern methods effect’ and Macquarie Island was branded Bavaria and brought them to Britain where works so well that culls are seen as of ‘management’ remain as barbaric and an international embarrassment by they were confined to a reserve in 2005. inevitable. Necessary, even. But killing crude as ever. scientists. With the cats gone, the rat and Jeremy Paxton hopes to get permission to wildlife is not necessary. It simply serves a Conservation is driven, in part, by nostalgia rabbit populations boomed. The soil became release them into the countryside, even purpose, and those who wield most power – a desire to recreate the hazy days of a eroded and entire cliff-tops collapsed, though beavers have not lived in Britain for and shout the loudest – landowners, big bygone era, where crystal-clear brooks destroying the nests of the very sea birds 500 years.185 If he gets his wish, we will, business, country sports enthusiasts – babbled through woodlands and flower-rich that the people had intended to help.181 in time, see what effect this has on are yielded to, unquestioningly. meadows thronged with butterflies. Time Closer to home, these same ripples can be landscapes, plants and other animals, and Much of the clamour stems from has tinted our spectacles and we hope to seen. Rats are among the most persecuted how long it is before someone demands conservationists and, although they claim

of all animals. They are killed in farms and that they must be culled. to put nature first, they are not without When the National Trust released 18 goats prejudice. The powerful RSPB, for example,

in Purbeck, Dorset in 2007, it narrow- lobbies to protect birds but not all of them. Non-violence leads to mindedly thought that they would benefit a Those less popular, along with certain other land management programme. Within animal species, pay with their lives in order the highest ethics, months, the charity had ordered the deaths to try and boost the numbers of ‘crowd which is the goal of all“ of the goats because they were said to be pleaser’ birds. Such partiality is endemic 186 evolution. Until we a nuisance. among conservationists. “ Some argue that conservationists must stop harming all other interfere with the natural order, if only to ‘Aside from the immense rectify the wrongs of the past. But what living beings, we are suffering, culls cause makes them think that the current systems still savages. of ‘managing’ the natural world are any ecological imbalance.’ more enlightened than those that created Thomas A. Edison 56 57 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 60

recapture those carefree days by engineering ‘Big business and sporting circumstances to suit our fancies, despite the impracticalities involved. The relentless interests – and sometimes march of ‘progress’ has forced animals and the two married together birds into pockets. And there, they must take their chances with, among other – are responsible for dangers, chemical pesticides, landscape much of the killing.’ change, polluted waters, road traffic and the whims of people who prefer this bird over that bird. poisoned, leaving the woodlands virtually In targeting those animals who do adapt barren but for mass-produced game birds. and thrive, conservationists work against Duplicitously and deliberately, blood sports Darwinist evolution. They fail to recognise enthusiasts tie their sporting interests to that the rise and fall of species in conservation efforts and claim that their accordance with changes in the world is ‘pest control’ programmes benefit the natural, even if those changes result from countryside. And pest control companies human activity. In recent years, the impact display similar guile in persuading people by humans on the natural landscape has to part with money in exchange for being become all pervasive and that elusive rid of a ‘pest’ that – they say – could golden age seems further away than ever. damage a person’s home, their garden or But still, there has been no let-up. The even their health. demand for culls has only increased. All such assertions must be challenged and But most culls are not driven by the desire true motivations revealed. We should ask: to create a perfect world; they are driven do pigeons really infect people with deadly by selfishness and greed. Big business and diseases just by living in the same town, or sporting interests – and sometimes the two do such claims originate with pest control married together – are responsible for much businesses? Do those who call for badger, of the killing. In some environments – most cormorant or deer culls truly have the welfare notably shooting estates – all semblance of of animals at heart or does a financial impulse the natural world is banished. Almost every drive their agenda? And can we trust those species that may have an impact on profits, who say they kill grey squirrels to stop however minutely, is shot, trapped or environmental degradation, when those same animals pose a financial threat – however small – to their sport or business? By allowing ourselves to be duped by powerful interest groups into believing that animals or birds must be killed ‘for the greater good’, we become complicit in the massacres. The first step toward supporting viable, healthy wild populations begins with questioning the status quo. Beyond that, we must curb our destructive impulses and instead champion a rich, diverse environment upon which those lives depend. 58 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:28 AM Page 62

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June 2007 55 Binns, SH,24 Cox, Jan IJ, 1997 Rizvi, S and Green, LE (2002) ‘Risk factors 24 Feb 2005 105 ‘Hen Harriers and Grouse – A Decade of Research’, Game 15 Black, R, ‘“Hedges not cull” for cattle TB’, BBC News, for lamb54 Sapstead,mortality on S, UK sheep farms’, Preventive Veterinary 15 8 ‘Snares are Cruel’, League Against Cruel Sports, 2006 Conservancy Trust, Aug 2003 8 March 2006 Medicine 52, 287-303, cited in ‘After the Hunt’, IFAW, 2006 15 9 ‘To cull or not to cull?’, Farmers Guardian, 9 March 2007 106 Blacker, Terence, ‘Shooting Times’, The Independent, 16 ‘Confusion over bovine tuberculosis in badgers, cattle and 56 Baker, PJ and Harris, S (2006) ‘Does culling reduce fox 160 ‘Guidance Relating to the Prohibition of CYMAG Pesticides’, 10 Feb 2006 humans?’, Microbiology Today, Society for General (Vulpes vulpes) density in commercial forests in Wales, UK?’ Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 29 Apr 2005 107 ‘Shooters put Cats, Eagles, Otters on List of Rural Pests’, 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island’s rats – once the mice are safe’, 20 ‘Frustrated farmers take part in illegal badger culls’, 60 ibid 113 Lundy, I, ‘In danger, the rare seabirds menaced by rat 165 Ben Bradshaw MP, Written Answer, 27 Feb 2006 The Times, 15 August 2005 Farmers Weekly, 20 Oct 2006 61 ibid invasion’, Mail on Sunday, 14 August 2005 166 ‘ISG Advice to DEFRA’, Independent Scientific Group on 21 ‘Public support could lead to wild boar cull’, Western 62 ibid 114 Jordan, Claire M, ‘Extermination of the Lundy Colony’ Cattle TB, 25 July 2005 Morning News, 30 May 2006 63 ibid 115 Clover, C, ‘£3m price put on the ruddy duck’s head’, 167 ‘Hedgehog rescuers refute propaganda cruelty claims’, 22 ‘Farmers call for wild boar cull’, BBC News, 27 Jan 2004 64 ‘Meditation on feral goats, ale frolics and bird migration,’ Daily Telegraph, 13 Oct 2006 Advocates for Animals, 28 Mar 2003 23 ‘Public support could lead to wild boar cull’, Western Darlington and Stockton Times, 27 April 2007 11 6 Tyler A, ‘Scapegoating the Aliens’, www.animalaid.co.uk 168 Muir, Hugh, ‘Hawks do their worst but cost of pigeon war is Morning News, 30 May 2006 65 ‘Goat “cull” divides townspeople’, BBC News, 28 April 2005 117 British Birds magazine, May 1999 problem for mayor’, The Guardian, 29 Sept 2006 24 ibid 66 ‘Charity apologises for goat cull’, BBC News, 11 8 ‘Secret of Briton who started the ruddy duck war’, The Times,169 Rabbit Hunters website 25 ‘Farmers call for wild boar cull’, BBC News, 27 Jan 2004 27 March 2007 19 July 2003 17 0 ‘The Hunting Declaration’, Autumn 2004 26 Goulding, M, ‘Public and wild boar confrontations’ 67 ibid 11 9 ‘Wildfacts: Grey seal; Halichoerus grypus’, BBC 17 1 ‘Terrier Work’, International Fund for Animal Welfare 27 Rural Development Service Technical Advice Note 51, 68 ‘City dwelling gulls’, BBC Science & Nature 12 0 ‘General Information on Scottish seals: Grey seals’, Scottish ‘The management of problems caused by Canada geese: 69 ‘Gulls in Towns: populations’, RSPB Executive a guide to best practice’, July 2005 70 ‘Advertiser launches gull campaign’, The Berwick Advertiser, 12 1 ‘Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)’, Seal Conservation Society 28 ‘Don’t shoot those geese!’ South Manchester Reporter, 10 Aug 2006 12 2 ‘Wildfacts: Grey seal; Halichoerus grypus’, BBC 28 Aug 2007 71 Campbell, G, ‘Gull cull for coast?’, BBC 12 3 E-petition submitted by Bill Morrison, E-Petitions website, 72 ‘City dwelling gulls’, BBC Science & Nature 19 Feb 2007 73 ibid 12 4 ‘Factsheet: Overfishing’, Young Peoples Trust for the 17 2 ‘Six months’ jail for badger-baiters’, South Wales Guardian, 74 Lovegrove, Roger, ‘Silent Fields: The long decline of a nation’s Environment 8 Feb 2006 wildlife’, p. 186-7 12 5 ‘Could woodland bird declines be attributed to grey squirrels?’,17 3 ‘Ferreting’, The Hunting Life 75 ‘The Hedgehog’, The Mammal Society The Game Conservancy Trust press release, 31 Jan 2007 17 4 Lovegrove, Roger, ‘Silent Fields: The long decline of a nation’s wildlife’, p. 96 29 ‘Canada geese: a guide to legal control method,’ Dept of the76 ‘Removal of hedgehogs from the Uists and Benbecula’, 12 6 Lovegrove, Roger, ‘Silent Fields: The long decline of a 17 5 ibid Environment, 1994 Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue nation’s wildlife’, p. 96 17 6 Email from John Bryant, May 2007 30 ‘Cormorant’, Birds of Britain, June 2007 77 ‘Hedgehog cull resumes on islands’, BBC News, 4 Apr 2005 12 7 Harris, Stephen et al, ‘Is culling grey squirrels a viable tactic 17 7 ‘Brown Hare’, BBC Wales 31 ‘Cormorant’, Bird Guides, 1999 78 ‘Removal of hedgehogs from the Uists and Benbecula’, to conserve red squirrel populations?’, November 2006 17 8 Lovegrove, Roger, ‘Silent Fields: The long decline of a 32 ‘Cormorants – do they deserve their fate?’, BBC News, Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue 12 8 ibid nation’s wildlife’, p. 244 31 Aug 2005 79 ibid 12 9 ibid 17 9 ‘Fish-eating pest alert for anglers’, Great Yarmouth Mercury, 33 ‘Tenfold increase in cormorant cull’, Worcester News, 80 ibid 13 0 ibid 5 Jan 2007 1 Nov 2004 81 ‘Hedgehog cull “had support”’, BBC News, 29 Oct 2003 13 1 ibid 180 ‘Mink numbers drop as the otter bites back’, The Independent, 34 Lovegrove, Roger, ‘Silent Fields: The long decline of a nation’s82 ‘Uist hedgehog cull scrapped’, The Guardian, 20 Feb 2007 13 2 Lovegrove, Roger, ‘Silent Fields: The long decline of a 26 October 2006 wildlife’, p. 149 83 ‘Mink numbers drop as the otter bites back’, The Independent, nation’s wildlife’, p. 96 181 ‘Cull upsets island’s ecological balance’, Daily Telegraph, 35 ‘Pests on the farm’, Department of Agriculture and Rural 26 Oct 2006 13 3 ’A policy alien to our natural order’, The Western Daily Press, 22 January 2007 Development 84 3 Jan 2006 182 Unwin, Brian, ‘Disappearing kestrels on danger list’, 36 ‘Larsen traps – a box of death’, Against Corvid Traps 13 4 Lovegrove, Roger, ‘Silent Fields: The long decline of a 23 Nov 2006 37 Lovegrove, Roger, ‘Silent Fields: The long decline of a nation’s nation’s wildlife’, p. 280 183 Reid, Susanna, ‘Beaver to return to wild’, BBC News, wildlife’, p. 59 13 5 ‘Wildfacts: Weasel, least weasel; Mustela nivalis’, BBC 20 Jan 2001 38 ‘Chinese Water Deer’, Deer UK 13 6 Nicholas Soames MP, speaking during Standing Committee Lovegrove, Roger, ‘Silent Fields: The long decline of a nation’s 184 ‘Beavers back in Britain’, Ecozine 39 Carrell, S, ‘Ornithologists say deer must die to save the lesser Debate on Hunting Bill, 23 Jan 2001 wildlife’, p. 192 185 ‘Beavers in “wild” after centuries’, BBC News, 28 Oct 2005 spotted woodpecker’, The Independent, 26 Jan 2003 13 7 ‘Gamekeepers of Ecton’, Ecton Village website 85 ‘Amazing animals: mole’, BBC Science & Nature 186 ‘Charity apologises for goat cull’, BBC News, 27 Mar 2007 40 ‘Deer’, Woodland Trust 13 8 ibid 86 ‘Application of strychnine hydrochloride for essential use by 187 Prof Andrew Linzey, ‘Against Biodiversity’, The Animals 41 Elliott, V, ‘Eat the deer before they eat our countryside’, 13 9 Mr Lidington MP, speaking during Standing Committee the UK’, Pesticides Action Network, July 2006 Agenda, March/April 2001 The Times, 3 Jan 2004 Debate on Hunting Bill, 25 Jan 2001 87 Davies, C, ‘Cruel treatment of British moles banned by EU’, 42 Prior, Richard ‘Sporting Answers’, Shooting Times, 29 March 21 Feb 2007 2007, p. 42 88 Clover, Charles, ‘Suburban parakeet ‘pests’ face drastic cull’, The Telegraph, 22 March 2007 60 61 With Extreme Prejudice 9/5/07 11:29 AM Page 64

Animal Aid exposes and campaigns peacefully against all animal abuse, and promotes a cruelty-free lifestyle.

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