One For Joy

”ONE for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold, and seven for a secret never to be told…Maaaaaagpiiiiieee.’

Enjoying a celebratory morsel after his High Court victory

Yesterday was a good day for our feathered and furry friends. Not only will foxes soon be spared the spectre of being chased by Prince William and a baying pack of paparazzi, but magpies were given legal rights as well.

A High Court judge ruled that Norman Shinton, who kept such a bird in a trap in his garden as a way of luring other magpies to their deaths, could be guilty of causing the bird unnecessary suffering even though he had a licence.

Mr Shinton, who had been acquitted by a lower court, claimed that it was a way of protecting songbirds’ eggs and chicks.

But the RSPCA said: ‘There is no evidence that magpies have a significant effect on the songbird population.’

Jenny Hanley was unavailable for comment.

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Posted: 1st, July 2003 | In: Broadsheets Comment | TrackBack | Permalink