On 21 March 1997, R Hill & Co’'s cattle were stolen by Sheriff Michael Fletcher and Procurator Fiscal David Howdle. In an illegal act R Hill & Co's entire herd were removed prior to any criminal proceedings. In so doing both men disregarded with total disdain an 85 year old statute and the rule of law.

Shepherd v. Menzies, 1900 2 F 443: “It has of course to be assumed that cruelty to animals is an offence,—that is to say, a crime. It is not so at common law, but it is made so by the Statute 13 and 14 Vict. cap. 92”.

The following table lists reports compiled by Scottish Office, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Officials. The reports document the effect Barnacle geese were having on Powhillon and its adjoining Site of Special Scientific Interest and were written at the request of Ministers so that they could determine whether or not a licence to shoot the birds was necessary. The reports also formed part of a national study on the effects of goose grazing. Barnacle geese are protected by the EU Bird Directive, Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979, however the protection afforded to the birds by the directive