A red kite found dead in Loughbrickland, Northern Ireland, has been confirmed to have been intentionally poisoned using the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb. Red kites, which were extinct in the area for 200 years due to illegal persecution, were re-introduced in 2008. This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as two ravens were also poisoned recently. The Police Service of Northern Ireland, working with various agencies, is investigating the matter, emphasizing the legal penalties faced by those guilty of harming protected birds.
Red kites, along with all birds of prey, are protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order. This case is not the first time we have had reports of this nature in this same area, with similar incidents involving poisoned birds.
Those found guilty of persecution of protected birds can face a custodial sentence and/or fines of up to £5,000 per offence. It saddens me that these incredible birds are being intentionally killed.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland, in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, has conducted inquiries and site visits to address the poisoning of protected birds.
Our Operation Raptor, Peregrine Watch, is an initiative between the PAW Bird of Prey Sub Group and our Air Support Unit, reflecting our commitment to protecting birds of prey in Northern Ireland.
Collection
[
|
...
]