An expert report for the Scottish government has recommended ministers introduce mandatory licensing of grouse moors within five years because of their associations with the systematic persecution of eagles and other protected birds. Grouse moors managers are blamed by conservationists for the illegal killing and disappearance of thousands of birds of prey to protect grouse stocks. Although the Werritty review rejected calls from animal rights groups to outlaw driven-grouse moors, they said: “The recommendations of the Werritty review will mean a seismic change for grouse moors across Scotland. Werritty said his committee would not agree to the immediate licensing of grouse moors because two members had objected to his decision to use his casting vote to make that recommendation. Werritty said to achieve unanimity, the committee agreed to give grouse moors until 2024 to prove that golden eagle, hen harrier and peregrine numbers in their vicinity were in favourable condition or face licensing.

Source: The Guardian December 19, 2019 15:33 UTC