Wildlife found slaughtered in Viewpark

Feb 11 2010 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

RESIDENTS of Viewpark, Uddingston, hit out this week over the slaughter of wild animals in a popular woodland area.

According to Viewpark Conservation Group, men are using firearms and dogs to hunt in ‘the Glen’.

Two deer were recently found in the area, with their heads cut off as trophies, while the carcasses were left to rot.

It is also said dogs are being used to hunt deer and rabbits. Badger baiting is also said to be taking place in the 360-acre area, once part of the ‘Black Douglas’ estate.

A member of Viewpark Conservation Group – which was set up in the late 90s in a bid to preserve the area’s environmental and historic value – explained: “Unfortunately, it has been part of the culture in this area for years to hunt in the Glen.

“I’d say the hunters, who are in their teens to middle age, are there every weekend. It’s their hobby.

“But it has reached the stage where it is too dangerous to let it continue. People’s safety is at risk.

“The glen is full of wildlife, animals and birds, and there are fish in the river. It’s for everyone to enjoy.”

The land - through which the North Calder river runs and bordered by the M73, M74 and M8 – is the last bit of wild land in the area.

The conservation group member described as “horrific” the recent discovery of the deer carcasses and added: “Killing the animals is bad enough, but cutting off their heads for trophies and leaving them there to rot is disgusting. The hunters probably don’t think that what they are doing is illegal, but it is and it’s totally unacceptable.”

Strathclyde Police wildlife liaison officer Joe Connolly said the force took the matter very seriously.

He added: “It’s an offence in Scotland to hunt any wild mammal with a dog and offences can be punishable by prison.

“This type of behaviour is extremely cruel and some people believe that it is sport, but it is not a sport and is, in fact, a crime.”

Bellshill-based community safety officer Alan Mulholland appealed for anyone with information on those involved in the matter to contact 01698 202400, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.