Russell has held talks with the Scottish Homing Union, Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB and SSPCA on the issue.

"The breeding and racing of pigeons is of great importance to many people in Scotland,” he said. “Equally so, conservation of sparrowhawks and other birds of prey is a vital element of Scotland's biodiversity, and to that end I welcome the involvement of the RSPB and SSPCA.”

He added: "This is clearly a very sensitive issue for both sides and a resolution must be found as a matter of urgency.”

Russell said he had asked the four bodies to will draw up, implement and assess a range of options to satisfy all parties. "I will keep closely engaged with the issue and will meet all the parties again in three months,” he said.

Readers have left 2 comments.

1. Action urged to prevent feathers flying
Anonymous, Unregistered

Child poverty, homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, urgent action needed to balance the conservation of sparrowhawks with the breeding of racing pigeons.

Yup, let's prioritise.

Posted 2007-11-16 11:41:10

2. Action urged to prevent feathers flying
Nikki MacLeod, Unregistered

I've never heard such nonsense. Sparrowhawks are apex predators saying thank you very much for supplying us with convenient fast food and why wouldn't they. If people want to spend loadsamoney giving avian predators a free lunch then they'd better have deep enough pockets to keep replenishing their wee feathery pets.

Nikki

Posted 2007-11-16 19:59:21

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