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10/10/2006
RSPB condemn illegal killing of birds of prey
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has today reported that birds of prey have been deliberately killed in County Down.
A male peregrine was shot and at least one buzzard has died from suspected poisoning.
The peregrine was found in a field near Sprucefield with four pellets lodged in its leg, wing and shoulder blade. It was taken to the vet, but died a few days later.
The bird was ringed as part of a scientific study and identified as having hatched this year in Co Antrim.
The buzzard was found alive but suffering from apparent poisoning in the Drumbanagher area near Newry.
Despite treatment by a vet, the bird died, haemorrhaging blood and water.
Full laboratory results are still awaited, but initial results indicate poisoning.
Claire Ferry, Conservation Officer at the RSPB, said: “We are horrified to learn of probable human persecution of birds of prey.
“Shooting or poisoning of all birds of prey is illegal and the PSNI has been made aware of both cases.”
She continued: “These incidents may well be the tip of the iceberg. There was a case of alleged persecution of peregrines in the Mourne Mountains earlier this year. We encourage anyone who knows of any bird or wildlife crime to report incidents to the PSNI and the Wildlife Officer at EHS to investigate.”
Gary Wilkinson, Chair of the NI Ornithologist’s Club, who took the peregrine to the vet said: “I had hoped we could nurse the bird back to health and release it – certainly my two young daughters were interested and concerned for its survival. The whole family was distressed when the bird died after having been made to suffer by such irresponsible people.”
Roger Pollen, British Association for Shooting and Conservation's Northern Ireland Director, said: “As a representative body for sporting shooters, BASC totally condemns any illegal shooting or other persecution of any protected species. Whilst we do not believe that the extent of the problem is widespread, no incident is acceptable.”
Stephen Philpott, Chief Executive of the USPCA, who were called to assist with the buzzard, said: “The poisoning is an example of an increasing number of such attacks on protected species reported to the USPCA. Poisoned bait laid in our countryside is an indiscriminate killer and inflicts suffering and death on not just our native wildlife but domestic pets. The need for rigorous law enforcement is clear.”
Anyone with any information relating to the deaths of the birds, are asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
(EF)
A male peregrine was shot and at least one buzzard has died from suspected poisoning.
The peregrine was found in a field near Sprucefield with four pellets lodged in its leg, wing and shoulder blade. It was taken to the vet, but died a few days later.
The bird was ringed as part of a scientific study and identified as having hatched this year in Co Antrim.
The buzzard was found alive but suffering from apparent poisoning in the Drumbanagher area near Newry.
Despite treatment by a vet, the bird died, haemorrhaging blood and water.
Full laboratory results are still awaited, but initial results indicate poisoning.
Claire Ferry, Conservation Officer at the RSPB, said: “We are horrified to learn of probable human persecution of birds of prey.
“Shooting or poisoning of all birds of prey is illegal and the PSNI has been made aware of both cases.”
She continued: “These incidents may well be the tip of the iceberg. There was a case of alleged persecution of peregrines in the Mourne Mountains earlier this year. We encourage anyone who knows of any bird or wildlife crime to report incidents to the PSNI and the Wildlife Officer at EHS to investigate.”
Gary Wilkinson, Chair of the NI Ornithologist’s Club, who took the peregrine to the vet said: “I had hoped we could nurse the bird back to health and release it – certainly my two young daughters were interested and concerned for its survival. The whole family was distressed when the bird died after having been made to suffer by such irresponsible people.”
Roger Pollen, British Association for Shooting and Conservation's Northern Ireland Director, said: “As a representative body for sporting shooters, BASC totally condemns any illegal shooting or other persecution of any protected species. Whilst we do not believe that the extent of the problem is widespread, no incident is acceptable.”
Stephen Philpott, Chief Executive of the USPCA, who were called to assist with the buzzard, said: “The poisoning is an example of an increasing number of such attacks on protected species reported to the USPCA. Poisoned bait laid in our countryside is an indiscriminate killer and inflicts suffering and death on not just our native wildlife but domestic pets. The need for rigorous law enforcement is clear.”
Anyone with any information relating to the deaths of the birds, are asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
(EF)
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