the LPO is worried about a “hecatomb of birds of prey victims of gunfire”
On November 5, near Cigogné, a red kite was discovered riddled with lead, according to the Bird Protection League (LPO) Center-Val de Loire. In critical condition, the raptor was entrusted to a veterinarian recovered by a volunteer from the association before being at the Indre-et-Loire wildlife conservation center where he is still in care.
The LPO says regret “a hecatomb of birds of prey victims of gunfire” since the opening of the hunt. She recalls that these species have been protected for more than 40 years in France. “During the last three years, 87% of the 109 leaded raptors taken care of by the care centers managed by the LPO were received between the beginning of September and the end of February, that is to say between the dates of the general opening and closing of the hunt. in France”, wrote the association in a press release.
Facts punishable by 3 years in prison
She calls for more investigative resources to allow the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) to find the shooters. Because if the destruction of a protected species is in theory liable to 3 years’ imprisonment and a fine of € 150,000, in the facts, “most complaints are dismissed”.