Celebs and police slam Dorset MP over eagle tweets
Chris Loder doesn't think Dorset Police should investigate the death of a sea eagle.
Celebs, police and other Twitter users are criticising a Dorset MP over comments about the investigation into the death of a sea eagle.
West Dorset Conservative MP Chris Loder is a keen advocate of new Animal Welfare legislation, having campaigned for stronger sentencing for animal abusers.
But Chris doesn't believe Police should use resources to investigate in this instance after two sea eagles were reintroduced in the south last year.
He took to Twitter to say as much, but it's been met by over a thousand replies many criticising his stance. Chris says the birds are a plague for farmers, and they prey on young lambs.
Among the repliers was celebrity conservationist Chris Packham who called the tweets 'a view back to the Middle Ages'. But he wasn't the only one. Here are a few of the others:
Even attracting the attention of local councillors...
But it was a tweet from Dorset Rural Crime Team that shed the most light on the situation. An officer replied saying unsecured firearms are often uncovered from this type of investigation, making them worthwhile.
Chris Loder backed up his claims by referencing a story that shows eagle attacks on livestock in Scotland.
Although a follow-up from the original photographer revealed the pictures were staged, there have been reports of sea eagles attacking livestock in Scotland.
Regardless of the environmental policy surrounding reintroduction of raptors, it's the suggestion that investigating the incident isn't the best use of police resources that upset many.
Dorset Police has appealed for anyone with any information about the deaths to come forward.
Dorset Police Rural Crime Team have declined to comment any further on the tweets. But, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has said he backs the Rural Crime Team and their work, and has spoken with Dorset's Chief Constable and Chris Loder to reassure him that resources are being used appropriately.
Chris Loder has been contacted for a further comment, but has yet to reply.