ColinF Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 The Government has responded to Dr Mark Avery's petition on the link below: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/65627 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neutron619 Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 (edited) I suppose we might be thankful that the government department has effectively given them a slap in the face and told them not to be so silly, but I have to say the passages of the response most relevant to us are rather... erm... neutral. Edited September 3, 2014 by neutron619 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 I don't think he will get 100,000 idiots who lack so much knowledge on the subject and are as contemptuous of the hard government evidence as to sign the thing. If debated I doubt it will get passed but of course some of the loony left will go with it! I think personally and in my opinion Avery is just trying to find himself a job after now being "replaced" in his other previous ones. People drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol and people are being killed! Lets ban cars nasty things they are. I mean most of us will know of somebody who has been convicted of a serious motoring offence. Daft isn't it but so are 19000 people who signed up to the above petition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 Neck and neck by the look of it. 16,935 for the Subject petition and 16939 for the return of target pistols. I'm sure some clever statistician could do something clever with those figures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinF Posted September 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 I suppose we might be thankful that the government department has effectively given them a slap in the face and told them not to be so silly, but I have to say the passages of the response most relevant to us are rather... erm... neutral. I thought it was a good response? "When carried out in accordance with the law, shooting for sport is a legitimate activity, and our position is that people should be free to undertake lawful activities should they wish to do so." "Landowners are free to manage wildlife on their land, provided it is carried out appropriately and legally, in accordance with any the relevant wildlife legislation." Dr Avery didn't like it very much though: http://markavery.info/2014/09/02/response-kind-defra/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neutron619 Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 I thought it was a good response? "When carried out in accordance with the law, shooting for sport is a legitimate activity, and our position is that people should be free to undertake lawful activities should they wish to do so." "Landowners are free to manage wildlife on their land, provided it is carried out appropriately and legally, in accordance with any the relevant wildlife legislation." Dr Avery didn't like it very much though: http://markavery.info/2014/09/02/response-kind-defra/ Don't get me wrong - if Dr Avery doesn't like it I'm happy about it almost by default, but I guess I was disappointed (but not surprised) that it didn't contain a more "forceful" recognition of the benefits of moor management. I suppose the government has to put themselves in the middle and avoid being partisan but it's interesting that some of the opposing side are also complaining that the response was non-specific and didn't address their concerns. Reading the petition again, I was amused. I, personally, can't see any reason for shooting raptors and wish those who do would either get a licence to kill them legally or stop doing it - that way we might all be allowed to carry on shooting long enough to introduce our children to it. I know there are those who disagree - but I did rather think those who wrote the petition rather shot themselves in the foot by saying "the investigation of wildlife crimes against such protected species is time-consuming, difficult to prosecute, and ties up valuable police resources". I almost wanted to respond by suggesting that since they recognised that fact, wouldn't it be better for the police to do something useful, like clearing up the 500-odd accidents that injure people on the roads every day or catching paedophiles in Rotherham etc... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 please don't forget both the Bowland nests are on ground actively managed for grouse- the fact that every now and then some whack job thinks its wise to get rid of one effects all shooting people. Though isn't that the same for all activities Drunk drivers, pervert teachers, bent coppers, crooked councillors. Do you know anything about so called nest monitors putting Harriers off the nest or killing chicks by putting more electronics on it than maplins carry in stock? Come on they are just telling a small part of the story and the important people that actually matter (I don't see Avery in that bunch ) are aware of were the fruit and nuts are kept Its more important to put your signature to the Hen Harrier recovery plan to be adopted than worry over this man and his own addenda, so if you haven't please do it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 Dr Avery didn't like it very much though: http://markavery.info/2014/09/02/response-kind-defra/ Nor do his supporters if reading their comments on the above link are anything to go by. The usual conjecture and class prejudice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Its more important to put your signature to the Hen Harrier recovery plan to be adopted than worry over this man and his own addenda, so if you haven't please do it Indeedhttp://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/67527 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinF Posted September 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Indeed http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/67527 This e-petition has gone over 10,000 signatures, so it will be interesting to read DEFRA's response Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.