A mass grave of ducks and teals in the Somme: One Voice files a complaint
Between 50 and 60 mutilated carcasses of mallards, shovelers, pintails and teals were discovered on 21 August 2025 near Péronne, in the Somme, a few hours after the opening of the hunting season. In response to this cruel and shocking act, One Voice is filing a complaint so that those responsible can be identified and punished. At a time when birds are being targeted from all sides by the government, and their songs are gradually dying out, now more than ever is the time for citizens to take action.
An unbearable massacre, and a complaint filed
Monday 21 August, 6pm, Péronne. In the middle of summer, a resident of this municipality in the Somme region discovered a pile of mutilated wild duck and teal carcasses, dismembered and piled up on the ground. According to the French Office for Biodiversity, they had just been shot. An unbearable cruelty. A total disregard for the lives of these water birds which are beginning their migration and are constantly being harassed by hunters along their route, particularly in wetlands and coastal areas throughout Europe. And yet another tragedy for ducks in this region where a few months ago we secured the conviction of a farmer for mistreatment.
The perpetrators? As always, everything suggests this to be a case of thrill-seeking hunters for whom the meagre rules protecting animals are already intolerable. The federations concerned are already starting to play the good hunter/bad hunter card. A ploy that no longer convinces anyone: whether in Sologne or in Vercors, poachers always have a valid licence.
Birds are under attack from all sides: join us in speaking out on their behalf!
As long as this leisure activity is supported by politicians who no longer hesitate to openly violate court decisions, such as the project to reauthorise so-called “traditional” hunts using traps, this type of massacre will continue. While France holds a sad European record with 65 species of birds eligible for hunting, the solution is simple: a complete ban on shooting.
But the government and hunters are digging in their heels: recently, the minister responsible for hunting dismissed recent scientific recommendations calling for a suspension of hunting of birds in decline. We therefore call on you more than ever to sign our petitions to call for a stop to the killing of birds and for a radical reform of hunting!