Countryside Alliance respond to missing Hen Harriers

In response to the RSPB's press release 'Three hen harriers vanish in suspicious circumstances' please find below a statement from Scottish Countryside Alliance Director, Jamie Stewart:

"We are concerned to hear that three tagged hen harriers have gone missing. As members of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime in Scotland (PAW) we condemn all wildlife crime and encourage our members to report any relevant information to the police by following the Countryside Alliance guidance on reporting a wildlife crime. We also ask that people not jump to conclusions. The RSPB and other bird research organisations have recognised that a small percentage of tags fail, so it is very difficult to draw firm conclusions about what may have happened to these birds. We are therefore also asking everyone to report any hen harrier sightings by phone to 07767 671973, or email to: [email protected]."