Uncivilised proposal to import birds to Isle of Man so they can be slaughtered by hunters

A recent article by the Mannin Branch of the Celtic League draws attention to a shocking proposal by the Manx Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot to import Grey Partridge to the Isle of Man. The purpose being so that hunters can shoot them! This revolting proposal stands in stark contrast to those that truly support nature conservation. Not least the great work of pioneering Welsh naturalist and ornithologist Peter Hope Jones recently reported on by Transceltic. The optimistic news is that the proposal is being met with mounting opposition on the Island.

The ridiculous proposal has, however, met with the support of the totally inappropriately named ‘Manx Game Preservation Society’ (MGPS). No doubt to some this game bird shooting might appear to be a sport, where wild birds are skilfully shot by marksmen. However, the truth is that no other cruel sport has such a devastating impact on animals as commercial 'game' bird shooting. It is clear that this proposal to import Grey Partridge into the Isle of Man is driven by bloodlust. It has been estimated by the League Against Cruel Sports that up to 146,000 pheasants, 5,300 red grouse and 38,300 red-legged partridges are shot every day in Britain during their respective hunting seasons. As the article by Mannin Branch of the Celtic League (copied below) says, it "shows how remote the shooting clan can be from civilised society".

" ‘BARON BLOODSPORT’ GETS SOME ALLIES

DEFA MInister Geoffrey Boot has gained some allies in his bizarre plan to import birds to ‘kill for fun’. The zanily named ‘Manx Game Preservation Society’ (MGPS) have given enthusiastic thumbs up to the plan. With no sense of irony the MGPS say the bloodthirsty Barons plans will ‘help the birds to flourish’ - there’s a contradiction in there somewhere.

Meanwhile even aviphile’s are queuing up to be photographed with ‘the monarch of the glens’. Boot this week posted a pic of himself posing chummily with Manx Birdlife at the Ayres. Rumours abound that henceforth Manx Birdlife will be known as ‘Manx Bird Death’ especially if they are a regular feature at future Boot barbeques. Manx Birdlife seem to view Boot as ‘Baron Bountiful’ for endowing us peasants with all his great conservation projects

Manx Game Preservation Society meanwhile has lambasted those who are politicising their gleeful pursuits. Presumably this means Bill Henderson MLC an enthusiastic supporter of wildlife and perhaps a more suitable field guest for Manx Birdlife. The curious statement from MGPS shows how remote the shooting clan can be from civilised society in that Henderson is...er a politician.

In any case the first politico to let this political bird out of the bag was none other than 'Baron Bloodsport' so stick that in your twelve bore.

Speaking of twelve bores it is to be hoped that Chief Constable Gary Roberts and his ‘G Men’ are diligently scrutinising the weird world of the field sport brigade!

Link: You will find IOM Newspapers vigorously stirring the pot in the Courier online here:

https://edition.pagesuite.com/…/re…/production/default.aspx…

Image; Baron Bloodsport has a day out at the Ayres with enthusiastic aviphiles - defo no barbeques!

Bernard Moffatt"

However, it needs to be noted in the reference to Manx Birdlife mentioned in the reference to the article above.  That Manx Birdlife have made it clear that they have been categorical and proactive in advocating against importation of partridges to the Island. Manx BirdLife is the conservation charity based in the Isle of Man that has been working hard for a number of years to protect the Island's wild birds and the habitats on which they depend. They and their members and supporters have played a crucial role in seeking to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and cherish the Island's natural heritage. Manx Birdlife continue to deserve full support in all of the magnificent work they undertake.