I would like to reply to Carolyn Peck’s letter about eagle migration to Dorset.

Scottish Natural Heritage, in an official report says that one farm alone in Scotland has had 181 lambs killed and taken by eagles in a single monitoring period.

The Scotsman newspaper and Sky News have also reported on sheep being killed and taken through the air by these eagles – demonstrating their sheer size and strength.

Ms Peck doesn’t mention that only a few months ago, a complete eagle introduction project was abandoned in Norfolk because of real concerns about eagle predation (killing others species) as reported in The Guardian.

As far as Dorset is concerned, Natural England is doing another scheme where these enormous birds of prey, apex predators that fly speeds of up to 70 kph, are being introduced and are migrating here without us knowing. And therefore we are not able to share concerns and risks and have them mitigated.

Most sensible, balanced people who have been in touch with me, who are not unpleasant social media ‘trolls’ or activists are worried about the prospect of an 8-foot wing-spanned eagle landing in their front garden and taking their cat or small dog.

I think that is a reasonable worry for people to have.

I’m not saying, nor have said that eagles bring no benefit (which is the big mistake of aggressive activists), but, in my opinion, that benefit does not outweigh the concern as it stands today.

Chris Loder

West Dorset MP