A cull crisis over Wood Pigeons and Magpies

 

 

 

A recent issue has been raised about how farmers country wide in England have been suffering due the interference of Wood Pigeons and Magpies. This has been happening in the south of England in particular. These two species of birds have been damaging vital crops that farmers depend on to thrive.

 After much debate and discussion a cull has been organised whereby over a thousand  Gamekeepers and gun clubs alike have gathered together to expertly shoot as many of these birds as they possibly can. A cull is where there is a surplus of  a group of animals (e.g. seals, deer etc) and they are selected to be killed in order to keep the population under control. This has become a controversial matter as many environmentalists ( e.g. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) are very concerned as to what will be the result of something which would kill a whole colony of birds.

I respect the fact that farmers are under-going a lot of pressure just to keep their crops intact but surely organising a cull is not the answer. These birds in question just like any other animal have the right to live and should not be eliminated. Although the environmentalists have expressed their view it is important to solve this problem to the satisfaction of both parties.

This is not only a local issue but also a world-wide issue, which is very evocative. This issue brings about the topic of hunting and particularly fox hunting which there has been much debate about. In my eyes I do not believe that this cull should take place as it is a massacre of innocent animals that are only going about their daily activities just like humans. In another persons eyes this could be crucial to their livelihood. Consequently it is hard to find a balance of views.

 

 

By Jon Howard

Bishop Heber High School