Dr Clair Linzey, Deputy Director, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, talked to us about the impact of ‘predator control’ on Scottish Moors, including its effect on the environment, and how this relates to the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill.
The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill is currently at the second stage of the parliamentary process, and on the 18th of January the Environment Committee will start to consider amendments to the Bill. A recent vote, last month, in the Scottish parliament came out in support of the general principles.
The bill intends to strengthen the protection of wildlife
The Minister for Energy and Environment, Gillian Martin has described the Bill as intending to “strengthen the protections for our wildlife, ensure that our grouse moors are managed in a way that enhances biodiversity in a natural environment, improve the reputation of Scottish shooting estates” and “provide greater protection for our precious peatlands.”
Some data on grouse shooting
Dr Linzey covers the background to grouse shooting in terms of its prevalence, the landmass used for this ‘sport’ and its economic contribution. She analyses the impact of muirburn and predator control, the death and suffering of hundreds of thousands of animals each year as a result of grouse shooting. She explains the suffering caused by trapping, poison and snares including the death of ‘non target’ species, with over 20% of animals suffering a slow, lingering death. Also, she stresses why current proposed legislation doesn’t go far enough and that a new charter for wild living animals is needed.
The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, is an independent centre pioneering ethical perspectives on animals through academic research, teaching, and publication. The Centre comprises more than 100 academic Fellows worldwide.
The full report on Scottish Grouse Moors can be read here:
