The recent ban on shooting pigeons, crows, magpies and similar species (rushed through by Natural England and DEFRA with no consultation or warning) is the latest discriminatory act in a continual war of attrition against country folk that has been going on for years.

Any alternative licencing system introduced by Natural England will be restrictive and not reinstate the previous environment whereby anybody, without regard to wealth or land ownership, could enjoy the traditional rural pursuits of "pigeon flighting" or "rough shooting" in furtherance of the necessary goal of controlling (in particular) pigeon numbers.  More importantly, at this time of year control of the crow population is critical in protecting the new born lambs. We had a ewe which in March rejected two of her three lambs. The local vet said it was vital to keep the two orphaned lambs in a small pen protected by other sheep, as in a large field on their own and without the ewe protecting them they would be very vulnerable to having eyes picked out by crows.  

Wood pigeon numbers increased by 134% between 1970 and 2011. it is recognised as a major agricultural pest.

Pigeon shooting is hugely popular amongst rural communities. The cancellation of the General Licences that permitted ordinary people from enjoying this most traditional (and valuable) form of rural activity is an act of political spite perpetrated by the enemies of traditional rural communities.

We need to make our feelings heard. Please sign this petition. REVOKE THE CANCELLATION OF THE GENERAL LICENCES TO SHOOT PIGEONS, CROWS MAGPIES AND SIMILAR, IMMEDIATELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY.