RSPCA opposes Canada geese cull

Opposition to the proposed cull of Canada geese on Lake Windermere this spring continues to grow, with the RSPCA now speaking out against plans to shoot the birds as they nest. In a statement to concerned members of the public, the Society – the UK’s leading animal welfare charity – states:

‘The RSPCA is opposed to culling of wild animals unless not to do so would cause greater individual suffering. In this case, the RSPCA is opposed to the cull of Canada geese on Lake Windermere as there appears to be little evidence that the geese are responsible for the damage, pollution and public health issues attributed to them. The RSPCA would encourage the use of non-lethal methods of control… We will continue to monitor the issue and voice our opposition at every opportunity.’

The RSPCA’s vocal opposition has been welcomed by national campaign group, Animal Aid, which has been coordinating the campaign to save the geese. The group has already secured the support of Queen guitarist and wildlife campaigner, Brian May, and bird expert, Bill Oddie.

Says its Head of Campaigns, Kate Fowler:
‘We are thrilled that the RSPCA has spoken out so strongly in favour of the geese. When the country’s largest welfare organisation says that something is wrong, it must be listened to and yet the Lake District National Park Authority appears to be blundering along, listening to no-one and heading for the county’s worst PR disaster in many years. When will it understand that killing these birds is such an unpopular decision that it has the potential to drive visitors away from the area?’

How can i help?

1. Contact the LDNPA and tell them why you oppose the cull (it’s unethical, unjustifiable, and will not keep numbers down in the long term – find out more from our fact sheet).

1. Email the local MP, Tim Farron, to urge him to do all he can to stop the cull and tell him that you will not visit the Lake District if it goes ahead.

1. Contact the local councillors and urge them to stop this cull. Tell them that you will not visit the Lake District if it goes ahead:
   janebarker@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   bill.barr@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   chris.billinge@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   hugh.branney@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   jonathan.brook@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   sue.brown@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   norman.clarkson@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   stan.collins@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   judith.cooke@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   sarah.fletcher@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   david.foot@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   bryan.gray@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   d.anne.hall@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   john.hayton@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   joe.holliday@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   bill.jefferson@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   thomas.lowther@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   michael.mckinley@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   vivienne.rees@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   cam.ross@lakedistrict.gov.uk
   john.thompson@lakedistrict.gov.u 

   Sign the petition 

   Contact Cumbria Tourism and tell them that you will not visit the Lake District if this cull goes ahead.

If you would like to be informed of any additional actions including demonstrations, please email Kate.