I WISH to make the following comments regarding the story titled "Raptor threat to racing pigeons" (Ludlow Advertiser, September 10).
The statement by Stuart Wardrop of the Royal Racing Pigeon Association that the association “would condemn any bird owner who took the law into their own hands and killed or disturbed a bird of prey” is most welcome, albeit somewhat late in the day, coming almost three months after the illegal killings of two adult peregrines at Titterstone Clee and the consequent death from starvation of their young. 
The adult birds were deliberately poisoned and suffered a slow, agonising death.
In May 2010 another pair of nesting peregrines suffered a similar fate at the same site.
The most recent incident is being investigated jointly by police and the Natural England Wildlife Incident Investigation and all information should be passed in confidence to the investigating officer, PC Ward, at Kidderminster Police Station (tel: 101 ext 3587), or to any police station, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. 
Since Mr Wardrop further states that the RRPA “continually remind members of the dire consequences of taking the law into their own hands”, presumably he condemns the recent killings at Titterstone Clee and will urge local members to assist the investigating authorities in their efforts to identify the person or persons responsible for the illegal slaughter of these protected falcons?
As regards the repeated allegations by the RRPA that high numbers of racing pigeons are being killed by birds of prey “like peregrine falcons” and this was damaging their sport, a recent survey conducted by Defra concluded that such allegations were exaggerated and completely rejected them.
The survey recommended safeguards which, if adopted by pigeon fanciers, would significantly reduce any threat to racing pigeons from falcons. I suggest Mr Wardrop should consider these safety measures instead of recommending that the falcons should be trapped and “removed”.
While sympathising with those fanciers whose valued birds may have been taken by peregrines, the Shropshire Peregrine Group together with the RSPB and similar wildlife conservation organisations, feel that people’s leisure interests should not come before the country’s international responsibility to protect the UK’s peregrines. 
We know that many people would be outraged if these magnificent birds were once again persecuted in order for some to pursue their hobby.
If pigeon fanciers choose to release their birds into the environment, they must accept the natural risks of that environment.
Peregrines and other birds of prey accept both the natural and man-made risks of the environment. They have no choice.
JOHN TURNER
Chairman, Shropshire Peregrine Group