The PSNI has released a statement today (Wednesday, June 25) stating that a red kite which was found dead had been fatally poisoned.
The protected bird of prey, which was found dead near Loughbrickland, Co. Down, had died by what’s believed to have been targeted poisoning using the rodenticide chloralose and the insecticide bendiocarb.
The PSNI lead for wildlife crime and animal welfare, superintendent Johnston McDowell, said: “Red kites, along with all birds of prey, are protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (NI) Act 2011.”
He said that the birds were brought back to Northern Ireland in 2008 after being extinct for centuries, and that this is not the first time they have had an incident of poisoning with these kind of birds.
The superintendent said that recently, two ravens were found dead from similar poisons.
He stated: “Anyone who finds a dead bird of prey such as a red kite which they suspect to have been poisoned, shot or illegally trapped, or anyone with information about the illegal trade in these birds, should contact police and report their concerns.
“The poisons used in these most recent incidents are deadly not only to birds and wildlife, but also to humans and as such, anyone who comes across the body of any of these birds shouldn’t touch them, but alert the authorities instead.”
Investigation
The PSNI said that they will be working closely with partners, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to investigate these wildlife crimes.
Police have stated that it is their mission to prevent further instances like this, as well as bringing offenders to justice.
For this particular case, the PSNI along with Northern Ireland Environment Agency carried out a site visit and made a number of enquiries about the matter.
They also utilised the technical and advisory support of the UK’s National Wildlife Crime Unit.
The Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development (DAERA) were enlisted to identify the poisons used.
A spokesperson for DAERA said: “The intentional poisoning of wildlife and birds is abhorrent. Supplying, storing or using a plant protection roduct (PPP), that has been banned, is an offence.”
Superintendent McDowell said that the PSNI ‘Operation Raptor – Peregrine Watch’ works alongside the PAW Bird of Prey Sub Group and the Air Support Unit.
The initiative utilises drones to watch and protect the birds of prey nesting sites in a bid to prevent these incidents.
The PSNI has reminded the public that anyone who is found guilty of harming protected birds of prey can face a prison sentence and/or fines of up to £5,000 per offence.
