The RSPB Public Affairs Officer for South West England, tells readers the Society takes a neutral position in regard to legitimate field sports. (WMN Jan 20).

Although the Objects of the Society are to conserve wild birds, and their natural habitats, I feel most of their one million members would also wish to protect birds from being shot for sport.

The RSPB is a Registered Charity, but I do not consider shooting birds for sport to be a charitable purpose or an exercise in conservation.

Once upon a time the RSPCA raised no objection to fox hunting, but their rules and policy were changed to reflect the wishes of their members, and the majority of the public, to give greater protection to animals abused and killed in the name of sport. I do hope the RSPB will follow the lead of the RSPCA in this regard.

The Hunting Act 2004 says: “Flushing a wild mammal from cover is exempt hunting if undertaken for the purpose of enabling a bird of prey to hunt the wild mammal …”

I am unaware whether the RSPB and the RSPCA have investigated this matter, but I feel sure readers of the WMN will be concerned at the prospect of hunting dogs trying to take away, from the eagle, a fox caught by the bird. The hounds would be at risk of being seriously injured by the eagle and the bird would probably be killed by the dogs.

John Phelps, Exeter