Police have launched an investigation after laboratory tests confirmed that a red kite found dead near Loughbrickland had been fatally poisoned.

The legally protected bird of prey, discovered on land in the Tullymore Road area at the end of December, died from what is believed to have been targeted poisoning, using the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb.

Superintendent Johnston McDowell, the Police Service lead for Wildlife Crime and Animal Welfare, expressed his concern over the incident. "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 stated.

Superintendent McDowell highlighted the tragic irony of the incident, given the species' history in Northern Ireland. "These birds were reintroduced to Northern Ireland in 2008 after being extinct here for centuries, and tragically this 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 issued a strong warning to the public regarding the dangerous nature of the chemicals involved. "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."

The PSNI, in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), has conducted numerous enquiries and a site visit since the red kite's discovery, utilising the technical and advisory support of the UK’s National Wildlife Crime Unit. The Police Service also works closely with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to identify poisons and prosecute offenders. Those found guilty of persecuting protected birds of prey can face a custodial sentence and/or fines of up to £5,000 per offence.

HSENI reiterated its commitment to enforcement, stating: "Where duty-holders are found to have incorrectly used or have misused biocidal products or continue to use or store biocidal products that have been withdrawn from the market, HSENI will take appropriate enforcement action to achieve compliance. This highlights the importance of responsible use of all chemicals including biocidal products."

A DAERA spokesperson added: "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."

Superintendent McDowell concluded by referencing ongoing protective measures: "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."

Please report wildlife crime by calling 101. A report can also be made online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.

If you have any information on this particular incident please quote incident number 419 24/12/24.