The four-month sentence handed down at Aberdeen Sherriff Court yesterday to gamekeeper George Mutch for killing a rare bird is one that should be welcomed by anyone with an interest in Scotland's natural heritage.
Mutch, 48, of Kildrummy, was convicted of killing a goshawk after film of his actions were obtained by the RSPB. He is thought to be the first gamekeeper to have been jailed for such an offence. If his actions are not unique one would also hope he will not be the last.
Gamekeepers may not always be happy with the presence of raptors, but the goshawk is both a rare and majestic bird. To injure or, worse, kill one is an act that robs us of one of the natural riches of the country.
We live in what has been some scientists are now calling the Anthropocene era, one in which humanity itself, more than any other factor, is having the greatest impact on the planet.
That impact is not a happy one. It is responsible for global warming and species extinction estimated by some as 1000 times greater than it would otherwise be.
In the light of this one four-month conviction for the killing of one bird may seem small beer. But the court's decision is a welcome reminder that as a species we can recognise that this planet is not home to us alone.
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