BASC condemns illegal killing of buzzard following court conviction

BASC has strongly condemned the illegal killing of a buzzard after a gamekeeper was convicted at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court.

The organisation confirmed that the individual convicted was not a BASC member, and that behaviour of this nature by any member would result in immediate expulsion.

BASC’s chief executive Ian Bell said: “The illegal killing of a buzzard is a serious criminal act and we unequivocally condemn it. This sort of behaviour has no place in the shooting community.

“This individual was not a BASC member, but if they had been, they would have faced expulsion. BASC has a zero-tolerance approach to wildlife crime and to anyone who brings shooting into disrepute through illegal or unethical behaviour.

“The overwhelming majority of ‘keepers and land managers understand and follow the law.”

BASC said wildlife crime undermines conservation, damages public confidence and harms the reputation of responsible shooting and land management.

The organisation continues to work with members, enforcement agencies and government to promote high standards and full compliance with the law.