BrewDog has been accused of “losing the plot” by PETA UK over plans to cull Highland wildlife under licence as part of its reforestation scheme.
The Ellon-based brewery pledged that it would plant around 1.1 million trees to help reduce emissions, after buying a large plot of land in the Cairngorms.
Documents lodged by the company show that local hare and deer populations are considered a threat to the success of the Lost Forest woodland near Aviemore.
It proposed that if non-lethal methods fail to drive out animals found within fenced off areas they should be shot. The non-lethal methods involve using drones and falcons to deter mountain hares from disturbing saplings.
BrewDog's plans also suggest culling an extra 100 deer on top of the normal numbers in order to manage the impact of the “loss of forage and shelter” from its project.
The company told the Daily Telegraph that the plan was set by Scotland’s nature agency.
BrewDog also applied for £1.2m in public money to help convert the 9,3000 acres at Kinrara estate into woodland, despite its marketing campaign claiming customers purchasing its Lost Lager would fund the planting.
Elisa Allen, the director of animal rights charity PETA UK, called for the brewer to take action or face the consequences of “losing all credibility”.
She told the Telegraph: “BrewDog has lost the plot and will lose its customers if it thinks that blasting mountain hares and deer with shotguns is going to help restore lost forests, these species’ natural home.
“These methods are not only ineffective but also cruel, as it can be difficult for hunters to get a clear shot even if they’re accurate - which not all are - meaning the animals often endure slow, horrifyingly painful deaths.”
BrewDog claims its Lost Forest will help remove twice as much carbon from the environment as it emits, making the company carbon neutral.
The application for public money, which was disclosed in the BBC Scotland documentary last month, led to it removing the claim around planting a tree for every pack of lager bought by its customers. The company blamed a mistake in its wording and has since corrected it.
A spokesman for BrewDog said: “Herbivore management is essential for the successful establishment of new woodland.
“This is true of the Lost Forest, but it is true of any afforestation project; the density of herbivores has to be within a tolerance that allows woodland to establish.
“Any control of herbivores will be implemented by qualified wildlife managers in full adherence to the law - this includes under licence from NatureScot where required.”
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