Call to phase out ‘inhumane’ guga hunt by working with Hebridean islanders
Animal welfare groups are calling for a phased end to the 400-year-old guga hunt on a remote Scottish island, citing inhumane practices. While some activists have used disruptive protests to demand an immediate ban, other organizations prefer a collaborative approach with the local Hebridean community.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between preserving cultural traditions and evolving modern standards of animal welfare.
Guga hunting is unique in the UK by having legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Guga hunting is unique in the UK by having legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian Birds Call to phase out ‘inhumane’ guga hunt by working with Hebridean islanders Annual killing of infant gannets has been carried out on a remote Scottish island for at least 400 years
The article presents multiple viewpoints, including the activists' perspective and the cultural significance of the hunt to islanders.
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