Latest news with #WildlifeCrimeUnit
The Independent
25-06-2025
- The Independent
Police investigate after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
Police in Northern Ireland have launched an investigation after a red kite was found fatally poisoned in Co Down. A police spokesperson said tests have confirmed the legally protected bird, which was found dead near Loughbrickland, had been poisoned. It was discovered on land in the Tullymore Road area at the end of December, and has been found to have died by what police believe to have been targeted poisoning using the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb. Red kites previously had vanished entirely from Northern Ireland due to illegal persecution 200 years ago, and were re-introduced in 2008. Mr McDowell said red kites, along with all birds of prey, are protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order. He said this case is 'not the first time we have had reports of this nature in this same area'. 'Two ravens were also recently found dead having been poisoned using similar chemicals, and it saddens me that these incredible birds are being intentionally killed,' he said. Those found guilty of persecution of protected birds of prey can face a custodial sentence and/or fines of up to £5,000 per offence. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) along with Northern Ireland Environment Agency has conducted a number of inquiries along with a site visit, and utilised the technical and advisory support of the UK's National Wildlife Crime Unit throughout the time since the discovery of the red kite. Officers have also worked with colleagues in the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development to identify poisons being used. Mr McDowell added: 'Our Operation Raptor, Peregrine Watch, is an initiative between the PAW Bird of Prey Sub Group and our Air Support Unit, working alongside local police officers, which uses drones to monitor and protect the nesting sites of birds of prey, and is a direct result of birds being targeted, just like in this case, with very serious and dangerous substances in a number of areas across Northern Ireland. 'Along with our partners we will continue to investigate wildlife crime and seek to prevent further instances, whilst bringing offenders to justice.' A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said: 'The intentional poisoning wildlife and birds is abhorrent. 'Supplying, storing (being in possession of) or using a Plant Protection Product (PPP), that has been banned, is an offence. 'It is also an offence to use an authorised PPP in contravention of the conditions and the specific restrictions established by the authorisation and specified on the product label. 'If convicted of committing an offence, fines will incur.' Wildlife crime can be reported by calling 101, or a report can be made online via
BBC News
28-02-2025
- BBC News
Red Kite found shot dead near Strathdon in Aberdeenshire
A bird of prey has been found shot dead in Scotland said the red kite was killed in Glenbuchat, near Strathdon, sometime on 3 and 4 force said it received a report on the incident on Wednesday and recovered the carcass with help from RSPB details have come as new statistics suggest a 23% decrease in wildlife crime offences in 2022-23. Det Con Danny Crilley, of Police Scotland's Wildlife Crime Unit, said red kites are a protected said: "Inquiries are ongoing and we are working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of this incident."I would appeal to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation to contact us. "Your information could be vital in in establishing what has happened. "If you were in the Glenbuchat area on Monday 3 or Tuesday 4 February, and saw anything suspicious or have any information about shooting activity in the area, please contact us." Figures published by the Scottish government show there were 66 fewer wildlife offences in 2022-23 compared to government said the statistics, which were recorded by Police Scotland, suggest the crimes had almost returned to pre-Covid pandemic highest numbers of offences were recorded in the Highlands and Islands - 35 - followed by 32 in Lothian and Scottish Borders and 32 in north-east figures suggested 31% of offences involved birds and 25% were fish poaching organisation Scottish Land and Estates has welcomed the fall in Ewing, director of moorland, said: "This report provides clear and compelling evidence that wildlife crime in Scotland is in decline, thanks to stringent enforcement measures and the collective efforts of land managers and law enforcement agencies."Scotland has the toughest penalties for wildlife crime anywhere in the UK, and NatureScot's ability to revoke general licences is a strong deterrent to wrongdoing. We are pleased to see that these measures are having the desired effect."
