IFA calls for law to cull pest birds

A DEROGATION to allow year-round culling of pest birds such as grey crows and magpies is being sought by the IFA.

Countryside committee chairman David Wilkinson urged Environment Minister John Gormley to immediately sign the derogation into law. He said these birds can cause tremendous damage and cruelty. Their numbers have grown rapidly in recent years, particularly due to the mild winters.

He said farmers needed to be able to protect young vulnerable lambs from attack by grey crows, while bird enthusiasts know the damage magpies do by scavenging nests.