A SENTENCE of 225 hours of community work for killing more than 1000 sentient creatures – by any standards this type of person requires psychiatric treatment.

Were there feelings of shame or remorse, such behaviour would not require laws to end it. Andrew Tickell concludes a jail sentence is not appropriate, I agree (How one conviction serves to illustrate flaws in the law, The National, August 22).

READ MORE: Game-keeper found guilty of killing birds, badgers, and otter

The shooting fraternity, be they landowners, socially conscious toffs or gamekeepers, quote employment and income generated by “sport” as being vital to the rural economy. A wounded grouse trailing a broken wing through the heather pursued by a gun dog is not featured in their calculations.

In remote areas crime detection is difficult, the law is easily broken. Until a change of attitude involving an infusion of common decency and a humane approach to land usage by those owning, able to afford access, or are workers, then wildlife cruelty for “fun” will continue.
Iain R Thomson
Srathglass