Unilever does a U-turn on ‘game’ bird shooting

Consumer goods giant Unilever has ended game bird shooting on its land following an investigation by the League Against Cruel Sports.  

The investigation followed a report made to the charity’s Animal Crimewatch service about a suspected ‘game’ shooting site on a farmland in Bedfordshire, thought to be owned by the multinational company.

League investigators visited the site as a result, and while there they found release pens and feeders. Our intelligence team confirmed the farm was part of Unilever’s estate, and our CEO Andy Knott wrote to the company to ask it to clarify its position on commercial game bird shooting and commit to ceasing its operation on its land.

Chris Luffingham, director of external affairs, said: “Unilever makes a big deal about its ethical credentials, which commercial game shooting is directly in conflict with. To its credit, it speedily agreed and has committed to ending the so-called sport on its land.

“Game bird shooting is a cruel ‘sport’ and has no place in society.”

Unilever is a global brand operating in more than 190 countries worldwide, with more than 400 brands including Ben & Jerry’s and CIF.

To find out more about commercial shooting see here.

• Have you seen or heard activity related to wildlife crime or blood sports? Please report it to Animal Crimewatch by emailing crimewatch@league.org.uk. You can find out more about our service here.