Buzzards found poisoned near Gretna

Aug 6 2008 by Tricia Lewis, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

THE RSPB has revealed that four buzzards were poisoned in the Eaglesfield area, near Gretna, last March.

The birds, found by chance by a concerned landowner, were poisoned in two separate incidents, two being targeted each time. And a number of poisoned baits were found alongside the dead birds.

A police investigation is still underway for both cases.

Buzzards are among the most endangered species of birds in the UK.

Environment Minister Michael Russell said: “It is very disturbing that such incidents still take place.

“Everyone in the countryside must understand that using poisoned bait can lead to disastrous consequences.”

Sergeant Scott McLachlan, the Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator for Dumfries and Galloway Police, added : “Unfortunately after a period of years without any poisoning incidents we have had two this year.

“The indiscriminate use of poisons to kill wildlife is simply unacceptable and we would appeal to anyone who has information regarding this or any other wildlife crimes to contact the police.”

Although bird poisoning is not unheard of in Scotland, the cases come at a time when such activities are on the increase.

An annual report published by the RSPB showed that levels of bird crime were higher in 2007 than in any other year on record.

There were 229 incidents reported to the RSPB last year, 16 of which occurred in Dumfries and Galloway.

Anyone with any information on this case or any other wildlife crime should contact Sgt Scott McLachan on 0845 600 5701 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.