Thursday 27 October 2016

GAMEKEEPERS STATEMENT: RED KITE REPORT

In response to a report by the RSPB, commissioned by SNH, on red kites in Scotland between 2007 and 2014, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association issued the following statement.

A Spokesman from The Scottish Gamekeepers Association said: “Red Kite conservation is a huge success story in Scotland and many SGA members are playing an active part in this success which we, as an organisation, welcome and encourage. Before and after the period this report covers, we have had members taking part in regular ringing activity of red kites with local raptor groups and we are pleased to see this work continuing.
“The SGA played a significant role in Scottish Government’s pesticide disposal scheme last year and, along with partners on both sides of the border, have been running accredited rodenticide courses in 2015 and 2016 for gamekeepers as part of the official UK stewardship scheme aimed at wildlife-friendly, best practice pest control. A lot of constructive work is being undertaken.
“If a tiny minority continue to take part in illegal practices, this is through no encouragement whatsoever from the SGA and all our members know they will be expelled from the organisation if convicted of wildlife crime.

“We are pleased that the report mentions, for the first time, potential impacts of wind farms on raptor survival rates as this is now a reality in the modern Scottish countryside, although we feel the role of feeding stations deserve further analysis in the context of whether this impacts on the natural dispersal of reintroduced birds.”

Wednesday 26 October 2016

SGA XMAS CARDS AND GIFTS AVAILABLE

Although there will be those amongst us who don't wish to be reminded, the festive season beckons. Don't panic! The SGA can help ease the pain of thinking up new gift ideas.
We have an excellent range of merchandise for her or him and Christmas cards and notelets, specially drawn and painted by our very own artist, Bert Burnett.

If you wish to purchase any of our merchandise or want to see what else may be available, beyond this little 'snapshot', please contact the SGA office on 01738 587 515. Remember to leave plenty time for delivery.
SGA Xmas cards, pack of 6 with envelopes  £5.00




SGA Diaries £5.00, wristbands £1, Bendy pens £2,  SGA pens (2 pack) £1.00.

Hand crafted notelets and envelopes (pack of 8) £3.50

SGA 2017 calendar £8.50

Children's book £6.00

SGA Baseball caps (green and navy) £10.00

Tattersall checked shirt with micro fleece lining £20

Candy coloured ladies polo shirt £17.00

SGA Pure Wool jumpers £36.00

SGA Gents Breezer Body Warmer £30.00

Tuesday 4 October 2016

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PERMITS TAIL SHORTENING FOR SPANIELS AND HPRS

Following changes to Animal Welfare legislation announced today by The Scottish Government, images like this should be consigned to the past.

RESPONSE TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ON TAIL SHORTENING FOR WORKING SPANIELS AND HUNT POINT RETRIEVERS.
Scottish Gamekeepers Association Chairman Alex Hogg said: “The benefit that this exemption to the law will convey in terms of the welfare of working Spaniels and Hunt Point Retrievers all over Scotland cannot be underestimated.
“It is a major improvement to Animal Welfare legislation in this country and one we welcome.
“By targeting the exemption specifically at the particular small sub-set of the dog population where evidence proves beyond doubt that there have been welfare issues which could no longer be ignored, Scottish Government deserve immense credit.
“Research from Glasgow University, commissioned by the Scottish Government, showed that over 1 in 2 working Spaniels with full tails suffered one or more painful tail injury in one season (56 per cent of all studied dogs).
“The same research also showed 1 in 3 Hunt Point Retrievers suffering the same fate (39 per cent of all studied dogs). That suffering could not continue indefinitely without address.
“This is an evidence-based decision which will ensure these animals can now carry out their duties with the protection they deserve. It allows those best qualified- the vets- to make a decision to remove the tail tip of a working Spaniel or Hunt Point Retriever, within the first few days of life, if they believe this will prevent greater damage and more serious injury in later life.
“The research recommended that removing one third of a working Spaniel or HPR’s tail as a pup would reduce the likelihood of more serious tail damage by 15 to 20 times.”
*The Scottish Gamekeepers Association presented a petition with over 4000 signatures to Scottish Government in 2015 arguing for an overturn of the ban on the shortening of working dogs' tails.

FINAL DAY TO INFLUENCE WESTMINSTER DEBATE ON GROUSE SHOOTING



The SGA would like to remind all members and supporters that tomorrow (Wednesday) is the deadline to submit a written response to the Westminster Petitions Committee ahead of an important debate on grouse shooting.
As you may be aware two petitions are currently being considered by the committee, one to ban grouse shooting and one to protect it.
This is your final opportunity to influence the debate that will follow from the written evidence.
If you believe in the economic, environmental and cultural benefits of grouse shooting, ACT NOW.
Follow this link to submit a response (3 questions only). Please note, this link also contains guidance on how to respond.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/petitions-committee/inquiries/parliament-2015/grouse-shooting-16-17/

Finally, if you have not signed the petition to protect grouse shooting, you can do so here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/164851