The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has released a report indicating that illegal killings of protected birds of prey continue unabated in Britain, with 921 confirmed incidents recorded from 2015 to 2024. More than half of these attacks occurred on land managed for game shooting, where birds are often targeted to protect game species like pheasants and grouse. The RSPB's investigations unit, comprised of former police officers and bird experts, has secured three convictions this year related to the illegal killings, including cases where birds were beaten to death. The charity is calling for stricter regulations, proposing that gamebird shooting in England and Wales be licensed to impose tougher penalties on estates where such killings occur. Shooting organizations, however, argue that the issue is perpetrated by a minority and warn that licensing could hinder conservation efforts. The UK government has yet to endorse the RSPB's proposals but is open to exploring licensing options. Experts highlight that the conflict between protecting birds of prey and game shooting interests is fundamentally economic.